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 & 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 irresistibly cozy about autumn in a slice, and that's exactly what this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe delivers. With tender cake spiced just right and packed with fresh apple flavor, it's like a warm hug from your oven.

A piece of brown cake sits on a small white round plate on a white marbled surface. The cake has a rough texture and is topped with a thick, dark caramel sauce covering the top and partially dripping down the sides. In front of the cake on the plate, a small piece is cut and a silver fork is stuck into it, showing the moist inside of the cake with caramel sauce pooling underneath. In the background, a green apple and a white pitcher are slightly blurred, along with another plate with cake on the same white marbled surface. A white cloth is partly visible in the lower frame, adding softness to the scene. 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

I get so excited every time I bake this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe. There's a balance of spices and fresh apple that feels just right — not too sweet, never dry, with a moist crumb that keeps you coming back for more.

Double Apple Goodness: It uses both applesauce and freshly grated apples for amazing texture and flavor.
Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend beautifully without overpowering the natural apple taste.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy extras, just straightforward pantry staples that combine perfectly.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it plain, with cream cheese frosting, or alongside ice cream for a special treat.

A square piece of brown cake with a rough, crumbly texture sits on a small white plate. The cake is topped with a thick layer of smooth, shiny caramel sauce that flows over the edges and drips down onto the plate. In the background, there is a glass jug of milk and two apples, one green and one red. A fork lies on a white marbled surface in the front right corner of the image, and a white cloth is slightly visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, carefully combined, can create something truly memorable. Using fresh apples adds moisture and bursts of fresh fruit flavor, while the spices wrap around every bite with warmth.

Flat lay of a large square of unsalted pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth pale applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl with peeled and finely diced green Granny Smith apples, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon powder in warm brown tones, a small white ceramic bowl of nutmeg powder with a light beige color, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cloves in dark brown, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of white salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy white buttermilk syrup, a small white ceramic bowl with fluffy white whipped cream, and a small white ceramic bowl holding a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream — all ingredients fresh and natural, 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 adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake while assisting in creaming with butter for lightness.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs ensure better emulsion, holding the cake together perfectly.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture without heaviness.
Fresh Apples: Grated or diced apples offer freshness and juiciness; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my favorites for balance.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; gluten-free flour can be substituted if needed.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic warm spices that enhance the apple flavors.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Together these leaveners give just the right lift and crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.

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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

I love how forgiving and adaptable this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe is. I often switch up apples based on what’s fresh, or swap the spices slightly depending on what I have handy. You should definitely make it yours!

Variation: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch and extra texture that I adore.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based applesauce for a great dairy-free spin.
Spice Boost: If you like it spicier, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice — I do this sometimes for a warm, cozy kick.

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

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Pan

I always preheat my oven to 375°F first — this is crucial for even baking. Then, grease your 9x13” pan generously with butter or spray, or line it with parchment for an easy release. This sets you up for no mess and perfect edges.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Getting the spices evenly distributed here makes a big difference — it ensures every bite is perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream softened butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and pale. This aerates your batter, helping the cake stay light and tender — don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Mix in Eggs & Applesauce

Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before the next. Then, stir in the applesauce. Both add moisture and richness, keeping your cake soft and delicious.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients & Fresh Apples

Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing! Finally, fold in those grated or diced apples evenly — this is the magic that sets this cake apart.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If your cake looks like it’s browning too fast, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Top Tip

After a few batches, I learned a handful of tricks to make this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe truly shine. Let me share what makes mine reliably moist and flavorful every time.

Warm Spices First: I toast the cinnamon and cloves in a dry pan briefly before mixing to deepen their aroma.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients and apples to avoid toughening the crumb — I always stop mixing as soon as it’s combined.
Apple Prep Matters: I find that finely grating apples rather than chopping gives the cake a more uniform moistness.
Use Room Temp Eggs: They blend better into the batter, helping with rise and texture; taking them out early saved me from dense cakes.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm buttermilk syrup. But when I want to indulge, a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a dessert everyone asks for again.

Side Dishes

This cake is perfect alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for breakfast or snack time. At dinner, I love pairing it with creamy whipped cream cheese or a scoop of stronger-flavored ice cream like caramel or cinnamon for extra warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall gatherings, I slice it into bars and serve with mini jars of spiced caramel sauce for guests to pour themselves. It also makes a lovely layer cake if you double the recipe and add cream cheese frosting — that’s my birthday go-to!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Apple Spice Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best eaten within 2-3 days to enjoy optimal moisture and freshness, but I've found it stays tender longer this way.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully! I slice it first, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you want a quick treat, thaw at room temperature or gently warm from frozen — just like fresh-baked.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat slices is in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or in a warm oven tented with foil at 300°F for 10 minutes. This revives the softness without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of apple for this cake?

Absolutely! I recommend firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji because they hold their texture and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend measured cup-for-cup. I use one with xanthan gum included for the best texture.

How should I store leftover Apple Spice Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or at room temperature for up to 2 days. Wrapping in plastic wrap helps lock in moisture.

Can I use canned applesauce or do I need fresh?

You can absolutely use canned or store-bought unsweetened applesauce. Just be sure it's unsweetened to keep the sweetness balanced and allow the fresh apples to shine through.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe has been a favorite in my kitchen for years—it’s that perfect combination of tender, moist cake with that comforting warmth only spices and fresh fruit can bring. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing this as much as I do. It’s a simple recipe that feels special every time, and I can’t wait for you to experience it in your own home.