As the crispness of fall settles in and apple season takes full swing, there’s no better time to bake something comforting and fragrant. This Apple Spice Cake is the kind of treat that fills your home with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples. With its tender crumb, warm spices, and sweet glaze drizzled generously over the top, this loaf-style cake captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert after dinner, this cake is always the right choice. And because it uses pantry staples and just a touch of fresh apple, it’s perfect for spontaneous weekend baking. Ready in just over an hour, it’s both simple and spectacular.
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Why You’ll Love Apple Spice Cake
This Apple Spice Cake brings together everything you love about seasonal baking. It’s soft, moist, and full of flavor thanks to real apple, rich butter, and cozy spices. One of the best parts is its versatility—it’s just sweet enough for dessert, yet balanced enough to enjoy with your morning coffee.
Here’s why this cake deserves a spot in your fall recipe rotation:
- The texture stays tender and fluffy for days.
- It’s made with simple, familiar ingredients.
- You can make it in one bowl with minimal fuss.
- The cinnamon glaze is quick but adds a beautiful finish.
- It’s freezer-friendly and ideal for gifting.
If you enjoy comforting bakes, be sure to check out our Gingerbread French Toast Bake or Pumpkin Whipped Cottage Cheese for more seasonal favorites.
Who This Recipe Is For
This recipe is perfect for anyone who:
- Wants a reliable fall baking recipe that always turns out
- Enjoys cozy, spice-forward desserts
- Is looking for an easy loaf cake with a homemade glaze
- Needs a versatile bake for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Prefers recipes with classic ingredients and straightforward steps
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake will make you feel confident in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1/3 cup fresh apple, peeled and grated (moisture removed with paper towels)
For the Cinnamon Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
Ingredient Notes and Variations
Use any tart, crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Grating the apple instead of dicing ensures even distribution and a tender texture. Apple cider, not juice, brings a deeper, richer apple flavor, so don’t substitute unless necessary.
You can adjust the spice levels to your preference—add extra cinnamon or even a pinch of cloves if desired. For the glaze, feel free to replace cinnamon with a splash of vanilla or leave it out entirely for a minimalist finish.
Craving more fall-inspired treats? You might love our Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding or Chocolate Pumpkin Bread.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
- 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk and spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
- Grater for apple
Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Apple Spice Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing extra to hang over the edges for easy removal. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix just until combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This ensures your spices are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Mix and Cider
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the apple cider. Begin and end with the dry mix. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Grated Apple
Remove the bowl from the mixer. Use a large spatula to gently fold in the grated apple. Make sure to pat the apple dry before adding to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too quickly, tent the cake loosely with foil.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.
Step 9: Make the Cinnamon Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, cream or milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Spice Cake
- Always use room temperature butter and eggs for better incorporation.
- Spoon and level your flour to avoid a dense cake.
- Pat grated apple dry to keep the texture light.
- Don’t overmix—stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Allow cake to cool fully before glazing for the best appearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using apple juice instead of cider leads to less flavor depth.
- Overmixing the batter can result in a tough texture.
- Skipping parchment paper makes cake removal difficult.
- Adding glaze to a warm cake will cause it to melt and slide off.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Spice Cake is wonderful on its own, but also pairs well with:
- A hot mug of London Fog or spiced tea
- A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for dessert
- A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- A handful of chopped nuts sprinkled on top
For a complete fall breakfast spread, try serving alongside Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats or Pumpkin French Toast.
Creative Presentation Ideas
- Drizzle the glaze in zigzags and add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Serve slices in parchment-lined mini boxes for gifting.
- Add a few thin apple slices or chopped pecans on top for garnish.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Want to tweak the recipe? Try these delicious upgrades:
- Fold in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Add a swirl of apple butter into the batter before baking.
- Replace half the apple cider with orange juice for a citrusy twist.
- Drizzle with warm salted caramel instead of glaze.
Pair your slice with our Cherry Chocolate Mocha Cookies or Soft Christmas Peppermints for a full dessert platter.
How to Store and Reheat
- Room Temperature: Keep tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge if glazed, but know it may dry out slightly.
- Freezing: Freeze the unglazed cake, wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe bag, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and glaze before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it wrapped until you’re ready to glaze and serve. Alternatively, freeze the loaf and make the glaze fresh before your event. This makes it an excellent prep-ahead option for holidays and brunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use applesauce instead of grated apple?
No, the texture will be too wet and change the structure of the cake.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in two loaf pans or a 9×13 pan, adjusting the bake time accordingly.
Is this cake overly sweet?
Not at all. It has a balanced sweetness that works for both breakfast and dessert.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but it adds a beautiful, flavorful finish. You can also dust with powdered sugar instead.
Final Thoughts: Why Apple Spice Cake Is a Must-Bake
This Apple Spice Cake is everything fall baking should be—warm, fragrant, and soul-satisfying. It’s ideal for breakfast gatherings, afternoon coffee, or a cozy dessert at the end of the day. Easy to make yet elegant enough to serve guests, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Make it once, and it will quickly become a seasonal staple.
Print
Warm and Cozy Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cozy Apple Spice Cake with cinnamon glaze is soft, fragrant, and easy to bake—perfect for fall mornings, afternoon coffee, or holiday dessert tables. Made with real apple, apple cider, and warm spices, it bakes up moist and tender in a loaf pan.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1/3 cup fresh apple, peeled and grated (moisture removed with paper towels)
For the Cinnamon Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the edges for easy removal.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer (paddle attachment) or with a handheld mixer, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla and mix just until combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Alternate Adding Dry Mix and Cider: With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the apple cider. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the Grated Apple: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the grated apple with a spatula (pat apple dry first to remove excess moisture).
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for 55–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Cool Completely: Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using parchment and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cinnamon Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake. Let it set before slicing.
Notes
- Apple choice: Use a tart, crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best flavor.
- Apple prep: Grated apple distributes evenly; pat it dry with paper towels to keep the crumb light.
- Use cider: Apple cider (not juice) adds deeper flavor—avoid substituting if possible.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level flour to prevent a dense cake.
- Mixing tip: Don’t overmix; stop as soon as the batter is combined.
- Glaze timing: Glaze only after the cake is fully cooled, or it will melt and slide off.
- Spice tweaks: Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of cloves if you like stronger spice.
- Glaze options: Swap cinnamon for a splash of vanilla, or skip glaze and dust with powdered sugar.
- Storage: Keep tightly wrapped at room temperature up to 3 days. If glazed, refrigerate (may dry slightly).
- Freezing: Freeze the unglazed loaf up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
- Make-ahead: Bake 1 day ahead and keep wrapped until ready to glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
