Name: Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened (113 grams/8 Tablespoons); 1 3/4 cups sugar (350 grams); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened preferred); 2 cups peeled and grated or finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended); 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour or gluten-free flour (270 grams); 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon cloves; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; Buttermilk syrup; Whipped cream; Vanilla ice cream

There’s something wonderfully cozy about this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe. The way the warm cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with fresh apples creates a comforting, moist cake you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, it’s a treat worth baking right away.

A white round plate holds a piece of brown cake with a moist, crumbly texture, covered with a shiny, thick caramel sauce flowing slightly over the edges. A silver fork is breaking a small bite from the cake, showing a soft, dense inside soaked with the caramel sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a green apple and a white pitcher visible nearby. Another plate with a similar cake piece and caramel sauce is partially seen in the background. A white cloth is casually placed near the front edge of the frame. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It's one of those cakes that’s simple to put together, but tastes like it took all day to bake. I always look forward to sharing it with friends because it hits that perfect note between spice and sweetness, thanks to the fresh apples.

Double Apple Goodness: The combination of applesauce and fresh grated apples keeps the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that irresistible spicy kick without overwhelming the apple’s natural sweetness.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy pantry items — most are basics you likely already have on hand.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you top it with whipped cream, buttermilk syrup, or vanilla ice cream, it’s always a winner.

A single square piece of brown cake with a moist texture sits in the center of a small white plate, topped with a thick layer of shiny caramel sauce that drips down the sides onto the plate. The background shows two apples, one green and one red, slightly out of focus, and a glass bottle of milk. A silver fork is placed on a white cloth napkin in the foreground on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe plays a part in delivering texture and flavor. I’ll share a few tips to help you shop and prepare like a pro.

Flat lay of a small slab of pale yellow softened butter on a simple white ceramic plate, a mound of white granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells resting next to a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth pale beige applesauce, a neat pile of peeled and finely diced green Granny Smith apple pieces on a white ceramic dish, a small white bowl holding fine all-purpose flour, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon of warm brown color, another small white bowl containing finely ground nutmeg with a sandy texture, a small white bowl filled with dark brown ground cloves, a small heap of fine white baking soda powder close by, a quarter teaspoon mound of baking powder in a tiny white bowl, and a small pinch of fine white salt all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Softened butter creates a rich base and helps fluff up the cake when creamed with sugar.
Sugar: Sweetens evenly and helps the cake develop a lovely golden crust.
Eggs: They bind everything together; always use room temperature for best mixing.
Applesauce: Unsweetened is my go-to to keep sweetness balanced and add moisture.
Fresh Apples: Grated or finely diced, they introduce fresh bursts of flavor and texture — Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work especially well.
Flour: All-purpose or gluten-free work fine — just be sure to measure correctly to avoid dense cake.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: These spices are the heart of the flavor, providing warmth and spice without overpowering.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Both ensure a nice rise and tender crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor overall.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it slightly depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can easily make it your own.

Variation: I like adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch—your kitchen will smell wonderful as it bakes! Try gently folding them in with the apples just before baking.
Dietary Tweaks: This recipe works beautifully with gluten-free flour blends if you want to skip gluten.
Seasonal Changes: In cooler months, I sometimes add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). I like using a 9x13" metal pan because it bakes evenly and gives the sides a slight crisp. Be sure to grease it well with butter or a non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper to make lifting the cake out easier.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the spices and leaveners get evenly distributed, so every bite has that warm, spicy flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This is a critical step that helps trap air, so your cake isn’t dense. If you skip this, your cake might turn out heavier than you want.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Applesauce

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the applesauce—this adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the batter, helping balance the spices and fresh apples.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Apples

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough. Then, stir in your grated or finely diced fresh apples until evenly distributed. This bit of texture makes all the difference.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes, checking at the 35-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. The cake will be deep brown but don’t worry, if it’s browning too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack so it firms up just enough to slice cleanly. I love this cake best when topped with buttermilk syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but feel free to frost it with cream cheese icing if you want to get fancy.

Top Tip

After making this cake dozens of times, I’ve learned some little tricks that make a big difference in the final result. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and highlight the flavors perfectly.

Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: Choose tart and firm varieties like Granny Smith or sweet-tart Honeycrisp — they hold up well and add brightness.
Don’t Overmix: Fold in the flour and apples gently to keep the crumb tender and prevent toughness.
Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy: This step traps air that helps the cake rise beautifully and feel light.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye toward the end and use a toothpick test to avoid overbaking and drying out the cake.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this cake with a light drizzle of homemade buttermilk syrup for a tangy-sweet finish. Vanilla whipped cream or ice cream are also favorites, adding a creamy contrast to the warm spices and fruit. For a special touch, sprinkle a few toasted pecans on top—they add crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a dessert after a cozy dinner, especially with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. I also enjoy serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a simple salad of mixed greens with apples and toasted walnuts for a delightful fall-themed meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love slicing the cake into mini squares and serving on a platter with small dollops of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. You can also layer it a bit like a trifle with whipped cream and caramel sauce in clear glasses—so pretty and perfect for gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps really well for 2-3 days and remains moist and flavorful without drying out, which is always a win.

Freezing

I've frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture holds up beautifully, and it makes a handy dessert to enjoy later.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop the slice in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat gently in a low oven wrapped in foil. Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of syrup to bring that just-baked magic back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Absolutely! While I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can swap in Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala. Just make sure they’re firm for best texture.

What’s the difference between baking soda and baking powder in this recipe?

This recipe uses both because baking soda reacts with the acidic applesauce to help the cake rise, while baking powder gives an extra lift and tenderness to the crumb. Using both creates a perfect texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! I’ve successfully made it with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. Just be sure to use one that includes xanthan gum or similar binder to maintain structure.

What’s the best way to grate the apples for the cake?

I usually use the fine side of a box grater for a softer texture that blends smoothly into the cake. If you prefer more bite, finely dice the apples instead—just ensure pieces are small enough to bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe is one of those timeless desserts everyone should have in their repertoire. It reminds me of cool autumn afternoons in my grandma’s kitchen and the joy of sharing simple, delicious treats with loved ones. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do—and more importantly, savor every warm, comforting bite.