Classic Spiced Apple Cake with Creamy Brown Sugar Frosting
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Classic Spiced Apple Cake topped with a luscious creamy brown sugar frosting. This recipe, reminiscent of timeless homemade desserts, features a perfectly moist cake loaded with chunks of tender apples and crunchy nuts. The warm spices intertwined with the sweetness of apples create a harmonious balance that pairs wonderfully with our rich, fudge-like frosting. Whether you're enjoying it with a morning cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to your meal, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite among family and friends.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
unbleached all-purpose flour or King Arthur white whole wheat flour
2 1/3 cups
granulated sugar
1 2/3 cups
baking soda
2 teaspoons
salt
3/4 teaspoon
apple pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoons (or use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger and nutmeg)
large eggs
2
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened)
peeled, cored, and chopped apples
4 cups (about 1 1/3 pounds whole apples)
diced toasted walnuts or pecans
1 cup
unsalted butter
7 tablespoons
brown sugar
2/3 cup
salt
1/4 teaspoon
milk
1/4 cup
confectioners' sugar
2 1/4 cups
vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a 9" x 13" pan by greasing and flouring it.
2
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mix well.
3
Add the eggs and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. The mixture will be stiff and crumbly.
4
Fold in the chopped apples and toasted nuts. Stir until the apples release some juice and the mixture becomes a thick batter.
5
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with wet fingers.
6
Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a rack without removing it from the pan.
8
For the frosting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt, cooking until the sugar melts completely.
9
Add the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour into a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
10
After cooling, add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thin, add more confectioners' sugar.
11
Spread the warm frosting over the cooled cake in an even layer. Allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Classic Spiced Apple Cake with Creamy Brown Sugar Frosting.
How many servings does this apple cake yield?
This recipe yields approximately 24 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
A 9" x 13" pan is recommended.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Prepare the pan by greasing and flouring it.
What types of flour can be used?
You can use unbleached all-purpose flour or King Arthur white whole wheat flour.
What spices are included in the apple pie spice blend?
The blend consists of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon each of ground ginger and nutmeg.
Should the butter for the cake be melted or softened?
The butter for the cake should be softened.
What is the initial texture of the cake mixture?
Initially, the mixture will be stiff and crumbly until the apples are added.
How do the apples change the batter consistency?
As you stir in the apples, they release juice which turns the crumbly mixture into a thick batter.
How many cups of apples are required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of peeled, cored, and chopped apples.
What is the equivalent weight for the 4 cups of apples?
It is about 1 1/3 pounds of whole apples.
What kind of nuts can I use in the cake?
You can use diced toasted walnuts or pecans.
How do I smooth the top of the batter?
You can smooth the top of the batter with wet fingers.
How long should the cake bake?
Bake the cake for 45 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Should the cake be removed from the pan to cool?
No, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a rack.
What ingredients are in the brown sugar frosting?
The frosting includes butter, brown sugar, salt, milk, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract.
How do you prepare the frosting base?
Melt butter, stir in brown sugar and salt until melted, add milk, and bring to a boil.
How long should the frosting base cool before adding sugar?
Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes before adding the confectioners' sugar.
What should I do if the frosting is too thin?
If the frosting is too thin, add more confectioners' sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
When should the frosting be applied?
Spread the warm frosting over the cooled cake.
Does the frosting need time to set?
Yes, allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggs.
How much granulated sugar is used in the cake?
The cake requires 1 2/3 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the amount of baking soda needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
How much butter is needed for the frosting specifically?
The frosting requires 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What is the texture of the finished frosting?
The frosting is described as rich and fudge-like.
How much vanilla extract is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is this cake suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is noted as being wonderful to enjoy with a morning cup of coffee.