If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly captures the warm flavors of fall, this Apple Spice Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a moist, tender cake bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh apples and layered with a harmonious blend of cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Every bite delivers a comforting hug of flavor that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a cake with two visible layers of light brown cake filled and covered with a thick, creamy white frosting that has small brown specks. The frosting is spread evenly but thin enough to show parts of the cake underneath. On top, there are six swirled dollops of the same white frosting spaced evenly around the edge. The cake sits on a round white cake stand with a wooden base. Around the cake on a wooden surface are four red and yellow apples and two cinnamon sticks. The background is dark, and the photo is taken on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Apple Spice Cake Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the perfect texture, adding depth of flavor, or lending that inviting golden color.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure without overpowering the other flavors.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents work together to ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that’s essential to giving the cake its signature flavor.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Ground ginger: Provides a gentle zing that brightens the overall spice blend.
Ground cardamom: Introduces a slightly floral and citrusy depth, making the spice mix unique and memorable.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
Sugar & dark brown sugar: Brown sugar adds rich molasses notes, while granulated sugar balances sweetness.
Applesauce (unsweetened): Brings moisture and subtle apple flavor while reducing the need for extra fat.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together and improve the cake’s texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making every spice note pop.
Chopped apples: The stars of the show—the fresh fruit adds bursts of juicy sweetness and a delightful texture contrast.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Start by setting the oven rack in the center position and preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare two 8-inch cake pans by greasing the sides and bottoms with butter, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your cake releases easily without any sticking, so your beautiful layers come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom. This mixture forms the spicy, soft base of your cake, so getting it evenly combined is key to balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil with both sugars, the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until everything is smooth and the brown sugar is fully dissolved. This wet mix adds moisture and sweetness, creating a luscious batter that promises a tender crumb.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry spices and flour mixture using a spatula, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make your cake dense, so stop as soon as everything is blended and you see no dry flour.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Now the fun part: folding in the chopped apples! These add a wonderful texture and natural sweetness that contrasts with the warm spices perfectly. Use a rubber spatula to fold the apples in gently so they stay evenly distributed without breaking down.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, but don’t just rely on the clock—poke a toothpick into multiple spots on the cakes to check for doneness. When it comes out clean or with just a few dry crumbs, your cakes are ready.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents soggy bottoms and lets the flavors settle before you frost or serve.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

The image shows a two-layer round cake in white frosting with a smooth texture, slightly speckled with brown bits. Each light brown cake layer is moist and dense with visible pieces of apple inside. Between the layers and on top, there is a thick white frosting layer. The cake is decorated with four evenly spaced dollops of white frosting on the top edge. It sits on a white cake stand with a wooden base, set on a white marbled surface. In front of the stand, there is a red apple with yellow-green at the top. The background is dark, making the cake and apple stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To complement the warm tones of the Apple Spice Cake Recipe, try topping your slices with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. These add texture and a lovely visual touch that makes each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This cake is wonderfully versatile on the plate. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert. If you’re serving it during breakfast or brunch, a cup of hot spiced apple cider or a chai latte really enhances the cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the box? Try layering slices with cream cheese frosting and extra chopped apples in between for an apple spice cake trifle. Or serve vibrant individual portions garnished with edible flowers or a cinnamon stick for a rustic, elegant presentation that’s bound to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Apple Spice Cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Stored at room temperature, it should stay moist and delicious for 2-3 days. Refrigerate if you’ve added a cream-based frosting, and it will keep well for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, freeze it! Wrap individual cake layers or whole slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftover cake, warm a slice gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness. Reheating works especially well if you plan to serve it with ice cream or warm sauces.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in the Apple Spice Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice tartness or sweetness, depending on your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, with some adjustments. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?

You can, but keep in mind that butter will change the cake’s texture to be a bit denser and richer. Melted unsalted butter is a good substitute if you want a buttery flavor.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. When it comes out clean or with just a few dry crumbs (no wet batter), your cake is done.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the Apple Spice Cake Recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or a handful of raisins can introduce wonderful texture and extra flavor. Just fold them in with the apples before baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Apple Spice Cake Recipe—it’s like a warm embrace on a plate, full of flavor and love. Whether you’re baking it for friends, family, or just to treat yourself, it never fails to delight. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!