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We all know apples are synonymous with fall. Orchards, apple picking, and fresh cider are the penultimate flavors of the season. I think we just crave something new and every time another season comes around, we try to soak up as much as we can. Apples in the fall are at their best: they’re full of ripe flavor and can usually be found from local growers. This cake takes those delicious apples and creates a dessert that is perfect for any fall day! Just to make it over the top, it’s drizzled with a brown sugar glaze. I mean, could anything else be better in the fall?
As most of my recipes do, this cake freezes very well. Cut into pieces and store in an airtight container for up to one month!
Watch how to make this apple spice cake:
Apple & Spice Cake
When fall hits, there's nothing better than the perfect apple cake. This circular cake frosted with a brown sugar glaze and dotted with pecans is such a warm, comforting treat!
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 ¼ cups neutral oil
- 2 cups white granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- 3 cups apples peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup pecans
For the frosting
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 2 tbsp Calvados or apple brandy (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾-1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
For the cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Evenly spread pecans on a small baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until toasted and fragrant, 6-10 minutes. Remove from oven, chop and set aside to cool.
- Peel apples, remove the core and chop into ¼- to ½-inch pieces. Pour the lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning and to brighten the flavor.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the oil, sugar, and eggs. Beat until well combined, 2-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla, mixing until incorporated.
- Add the flours, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated and only a few dry streaks remain.
- Fold the prepared apples and cooled pecans into the batter. Set aside 2 tablespoons of nuts to garnish the top if desired.
- Spray a ten-inch tube pan (angel food cake pan) with nonstick baking spray. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread to an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cake springs back and an inserted skewer comes out clean with only a few crumbs attached, 75-90 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let cool in the pan for 1 hour. Turn out onto cake plate and make the frosting.
For the frosting
- Combine sugar, butter, and milk. Stir to dissolve sugar and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from heat.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and calvados (if using). Whisk until smooth and adjust with more milk or sugar to achieve a thin frosting consistency.
- Immediately drizzle frosting over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with reserved pecans and enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 1sliceCalories: 439kcalCarbohydrates: 55.4gProtein: 4.3gFat: 23.4gSaturated Fat: 14.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.4gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 48.1mgSodium: 149.8mgPotassium: 216.5mgFiber: 1.9gSugar: 37.3gVitamin A: 40.2IUVitamin C: 1.7mgCalcium: 73.9mgIron: 1.5mg
The Apple Cake looks amazing! I’m going to have to try this love the extra touch of brandy in the frosting…????
I just watched your video on how to make this cake and I’m now obsessed with your channel! I’ve learned so many great little tips already. Your holiday decor and gardening content is fabulous as well. So inspiring!
xo,
Laine
This cake is absolutely delicious!! Loved it! I’ve made a lot of cakes, this one is now one of my favorites!!
Can you leave out the pecans cuz I don’t have them. The cake sounds good and going to try this for church on Sunday and don’t have liquor or nuts
Delicious! I made into cupcakes and they worked great. I think my bake time was around 25-30 minutes because its a dense batter and they turned out very tender with a wonderful apple flavor. The icing is so easy and tasty. I could just eat that with a spoon. Thanks!
This recipe was easy to put together and flipping delicious 😋 yes it’s April but I had so many apples 🍎 that were absolutely not going to waste! So delicious 😋 I wish I could share a picture.