Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Comforting Fall Treat

This Apple Spice Cake is tender, moist, and filled with the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Finely grated apples are incorporated into a rich, spiced batter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a moist and flavorful cake. The cake is topped with a creamy, smooth whipped cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Finished with a layer of caramelized sugar on top for added texture, this cake is a delicious dessert for fall gatherings or a warm afternoon treat.

Why you’ll love this recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the familiar comfort of spiced cake with the freshness of apples. Finely grated apples add moisture and flavor, while the blend of spices gives the cake a warm, nostalgic feel. The whipped cream cheese frosting adds a layer of tangy sweetness, making it the perfect complement to the spiced cake. This cake is simple to make, yet special enough for the holidays. The caramelized sugar topping gives each bite a satisfying crunch, balancing the soft texture of the cake and the creamy frosting. It’s a perfect fall dessert, whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself.

Perfect opportunity
This apple spice cake is perfect for fall and winter occasions, like Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or family gatherings. It’s a great choice for a dessert table or as a comforting treat to enjoy with a warm beverage on a chilly day. Its combination of flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to make ahead of time, making it ideal for holiday baking or weekend brunch. The cake’s rustic charm also makes it a thoughtful homemade gift, wrapped in a festive bow for the season.

Decorating Tips
For an extra festive touch, after frosting the cake, you can lightly dust the top with cinnamon or powdered sugar to enhance the cake’s appearance. Swirling the frosting with an offset spatula will give it a lovely textured finish, while a few apple slices or edible flowers can further enhance the presentation. You can also drizzle a little caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. If you’re serving this cake for a special occasion, add some chopped toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to add both crunch and a decorative finish.

For the cake:

• 2 cups finely grated apples (with skin)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar (plus ¼ cup extra for topping)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup applesauce
• ⅔ cup vegetable oil
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

For the whipped cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ⅓ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little extra on the sides for easy removal.
2. Grate the apples: Wash and dry the apples, then grate them using the small holes of a box grater, keeping the skin on. Set aside.
3. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine grated apples, sour cream, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, eggs and salt. Whisk until well combined.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×9-inch pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup granulated sugar evenly over the top of the batter to create a crunchy sugar layer. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 1 hour.
6. Prepare the whipped cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract with a handheld electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Add the softened cream cheese and mix until smooth and creamy.
7. Frost the cake:Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped cream cheese frosting on top. Use an offset spatula to create decorative swirls on the surface. Lightly sprinkle cinnamon on top of the frosting for an extra touch of spice.

Storage:
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper and aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Enjoy this delicious apple spice cake with its tender crumb, rich cream cheese frosting and perfect fall flavors!