If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe is absolutely the treat you need. It’s a beautifully moist, tender cake bursting with cozy spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice—all perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce. Topped with a richly smooth brown sugar icing, this dessert is not just delicious but comforting, effortlessly bringing a little magic to any gathering or quiet evening in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays an essential role in making this cake irresistibly flavorful, moist, and perfectly spiced. The dry spices create the heartwarming aroma, the applesauce keeps the cake tender and moist without excess fat, and the brown sugar icing adds that luscious finishing touch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice adding warmth and that signature fall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy spiciness that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Brings a hint of bold, aromatic spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice: Complements the other spices with its rich, complex notes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with texture.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Infuses subtle molasses tones that deepen the flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and that delightful cakey texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness and a hint of fruitiness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a lovely crunch and nutty depth.
For the Brown Sugar Icing:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Creates a creamy, rich base for the icing.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Offers that signature caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Helps smooth and thin the icing to the perfect consistency.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted): Ensures the icing is silky smooth and perfectly sweet.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant finish to the icing that pairs perfectly with the cake.
How to Make Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your cake consistent texture and flavor.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cake rise and keeping it tender. It also ensures the sugars dissolve properly, giving you an evenly sweet crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. These ingredients build the cake’s structure while adding moisture and flavor harmony.
Step 4: Mix in the Applesauce
Next, stir in the unsweetened applesauce until the batter is smooth. This ingredient keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness without heaviness, making your cake gently tender and delightful.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing can make the cake dense, so be gentle here. If you’re using nuts, fold them in at this stage for a tasty crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is your cue that the cake is perfectly baked – moist, tender, and beautifully golden.
Step 7: Prepare the Brown Sugar Icing
While the cake cools completely, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before whisking in the vanilla and sifted powdered sugar. Stir until your icing is smooth, creamy, and irresistible.
Step 8: Frost and Set
Spread the brown sugar icing evenly over the cooled cake. Let it set for a little while so the icing firms up just enough to be utterly delightful with each bite.
How to Serve Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds crunchy texture and nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the soft cake. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices arranged artfully on top bring an elegant, seasonal touch.
Side Dishes
This cake is fantastic on its own, but if you want to elevate your serving, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream brings creamy contrast to the cozy spices. For a warm beverage partner, a cup of chai tea or spiced coffee completes the comforting experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider cutting the cake into small squares and serving on wooden boards with napkins for a rustic vibe. Or make individual portions by layering cake cubes with extra icing and chopped nuts in dessert glasses for a fun trifle-style presentation. It’s a versatile cake that shines in any setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe covered at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and flavorful. If you’d like it chilled, wrap it tightly and refrigerate—the cake will stay fresh for about five days this way.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag or container. It will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
To warm your cake, pop a slice into the microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat in a low oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes. This will revive the tender crumb and soften the icing just right, making every bite taste like it’s fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?
You can, but keep in mind that using sweetened applesauce may make the cake slightly sweeter. You might want to reduce the added sugars a bit to balance the flavor and avoid overpowering sweetness.
Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes! Baking soda helps neutralize the acidity from the applesauce for proper rise, while baking powder provides an additional lift resulting in a lighter texture. Together they ensure your cake bakes perfectly tender and fluffy.
Can I substitute the nuts or leave them out entirely?
Absolutely! Nuts add a lovely crunch and flavor but are optional. If you have allergies or prefer a nut-free cake, simply omit them without affecting the overall taste or texture too much.
How can I make the icing thicker or thinner?
If your brown sugar icing is too thick, simply add a splash more milk, stirring gently until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar gradually until it thickens up nicely.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe is perfect for vegetarians. It contains no meat products and uses staples like eggs and butter, which are commonly included in vegetarian diets.
Final Thoughts
This Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe has become one of my very favorites to whip up whenever I want something that tastes like home and heart all rolled into one dessert. It’s approachable, packed with cozy flavors, and topped with that perfectly indulgent brown sugar icing. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become your go-to cake for autumn celebrations, cozy nights, or anytime you need a little sweet comfort. Give it a go and enjoy every warm, spiced bite!
Print
Applesauce Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this moist and flavorful Applesauce Spice Cake topped with a luscious Brown Sugar Icing. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this classic American dessert is perfect for cozy fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting sweet treat. The applesauce keeps the cake tender while the rich brown sugar icing adds a delicious finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Brown Sugar Icing:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice until well combined to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Incorporate Applesauce: Add the unsweetened applesauce to the batter and beat until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using for texture and nutty flavor.
- Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying icing.
- Make the Brown Sugar Icing: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Finish the Icing: Stir in the vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar, whisking until the icing becomes smooth and creamy.
- Ice the Cake: Spread the prepared brown sugar icing evenly over the cooled cake. Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a more intense spice flavor, let the cake sit overnight before serving to enhance the depth of the spices.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
