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 (preferably unsweetened); 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 incredibly comforting about a homemade cake that’s packed with the warm scent of spices and the fresh sweetness of apples. This Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe strikes that perfect balance, making it a go-to dessert that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out.

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’ve made this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe so many times that the smell of it baking in my kitchen instantly takes me back to crisp fall afternoons and friendly gatherings. It’s more than just a cake — it’s a memory in the making, and I think you’ll love it just as much as I do.

Perfect Texture: The combination of grated fresh apples and applesauce keeps the cake wonderfully moist, so it never feels dry or heavy.
Warm, Cozy Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fills your kitchen and your palate with that classic autumn vibe.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated gadgets or weird ingredients—just everyday pantry staples and fresh apples.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you top it with whipped cream, buttermilk syrup, or vanilla ice cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

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

Every ingredient in this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe plays its part to create that tender crumb and deep flavor. I always like to think of the apples as the star, with the spices playing their supporting roles perfectly.

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 creamed with sugar gives the cake a tender crumb and rich flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the fresh apples beautifully.
Eggs: These bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
Applesauce: I prefer unsweetened applesauce to keep the sweetness in check while adding moisture.
Fresh Apples: Peeled and grated apples add texture and fresh flavor; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for that perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but you can also use gluten-free flour to make it allergy-friendly.
Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves: These warm spices give the cake its signature comforting aroma.
Baking Soda & Powder: Both help the cake rise nicely while keeping a soft texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.

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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 to tweak this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Baking is as much about personal touch as it is about following a recipe.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the fresh apples for a mix of pears and apples—it adds a subtle sweetness and texture that’s lovely.
Dietary tweaks: Using gluten-free flour makes this cake accessible for gluten-sensitive friends without compromising flavor.
Spice Level: Feel free to play with spices—adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger can jazz it up in a unique way.

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

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Pan

Start by setting your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13" metal pan with butter or using parchment paper. I find metal pans give the best even browning for this cake—trust me, it matters for that beautiful crust.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. This step helps spread the spices through the cake, so no bite misses out on that cozy flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This aerates the batter, giving your cake a light texture. Don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Applesauce

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the applesauce, which adds moisture and a gentle sweetness making the cake tender.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fresh Apples

Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough. Then fold in those freshly grated apples, distributing them evenly for little bursts of fresh apple in each bite.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, loosely tent foil over the pan to prevent burning. Let the cake cool on a wire rack—it’s tempting, but waiting helps it set perfectly.

Top Tip

After baking this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure you get the best results without any hassle.

Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: I’ve found that Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up well in the batter and give you that lovely tartness contrasting the sweetness.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the dry ingredients in just until no flour streaks remain—overmixing squeezes out air and makes the cake dense.
Watch Your Oven: Ovens vary, so check the cake 5 minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overbaking and drying out.
Tent with Foil If Needed: If the top gets too dark before it’s cooked through, a simple foil tent will protect it while the center finishes baking.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this cake with a drizzle of buttermilk syrup or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—both add a little tang that balances the sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, vanilla ice cream or cream cheese frosting make it feel decadent without overshadowing the spices and apples.

Side Dishes

With a slice of this cake, I often serve warm spiced apple cider or chai tea—it enhances the spice notes beautifully. A cup of sharp cheddar cheese on the side might sound unusual, but it pairs surprisingly well with the apple flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut the cake into smaller squares and top each with a thin apple slice fan and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It turns simple cake into a charming, rustic centerpiece that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cake covered in the fridge in an airtight container, and it stays moist and flavorful for 2-3 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it rather than leave it out at room temperature.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and you’ll barely notice the difference—it keeps its texture and flavor well.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm it in an oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. You’ll get that fresh-baked feel all over again, especially if you add a little butter or syrup on top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use Fuji, Gala, or any apple you like. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might make the cake taste sweeter, and softer apples could affect texture.

Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?

Yes, the combination helps the cake rise properly while keeping a tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidic applesauce to give a nice lift, while baking powder adds extra leavening for a light texture.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy buttermilk alternative like almond milk mixed with lemon juice. The texture and flavor will still be lovely, though slightly different.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should be golden brown but not burnt. If it gets too dark too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe is one of those timeless treats that reminds me why I love baking so much—its blend of simple ingredients, inviting aromas, and comforting flavors is just unbeatable. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a beloved part of your own kitchen story.