Apple Spice Cake is the kind of dessert that shows up the second the weather turns cool and everyone suddenly wants cinnamon in everything.
This one is soft, moist, packed with diced apples, and warmed through with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
It gets topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting that makes it feel like a proper celebration cake, even though it comes together with basic pantry staples and a mixing bowl.
I make this cake at least twice every fall, once for a family dinner and once “just because,” and it disappears fast both times.
It’s a sheet cake, so there’s no fussy layering or leveling involved, just one pan, one bowl of batter, and a frosting you can slather on as thick as you like.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 16 slices |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
This pairs beautifully with my Cinnamon Apple Cake if you want a smaller, single-layer option in your back pocket for a weeknight craving.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Spice Cake
This cake earns its spot in the fall baking rotation for a reason.
It’s forgiving, it’s fast to put together, and it tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did.
- One bowl, one pan. No stand mixer required, no layers to stack or level.
- Real apple flavor in every bite. Diced apples get folded straight into the batter, so you get soft pockets of fruit rather than just apple-flavored cake.
- Warm spice blend. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of ginger give it that cozy, bakery-style aroma.
- Cream cheese frosting. Tangy and rich, it balances out the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
- Great for a crowd. A 9×13 pan means 16 generous slices, ideal for potlucks, holidays, or a full house.
Another favorite for the same season: Apple Cinnamon Blondies
Ingredients
Most of what you need for this cake is likely already in your pantry, aside from a couple of specialty spice and nut items that really make the flavor pop.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, optional
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice blend, for the frosting
I learned how much of a difference a good spice blend makes while working on my Maple Glazed Apple Blondies.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You do not need any special equipment to pull this cake together, just a few reliable basics.
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch cake pan
- Hand mixer or stand mixer, for the frosting
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula, for frosting the cake
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp paring knife, for peeling and dicing apples
You might also enjoy: Apple Crumble Cheesecake
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally reach for whenever I make this cake, based on years of testing spice cakes in my own kitchen.
1. Nordic Ware 9×13 Cake Pan
A heavy-gauge pan like this bakes evenly from edge to edge, which matters a lot with a dense, apple-studded batter like this one.
It helps prevent the dry, overbaked corners that thinner pans tend to produce.
2. KitchenAid Hand Mixer
For a frosting this thick, a good hand mixer saves your arm and gets the cream cheese completely lump-free in about a minute.
It also whips air into the frosting so it spreads smoother over the cake.
3. McCormick Apple Pie Spice
This blend is what gives the frosting that extra layer of warmth without needing to measure out four separate spice jars.
A teaspoon stirred into the cream cheese frosting makes a noticeable difference.
4. Fresh Chopped Pecans
Good quality, freshly chopped pecans add crunch and a toasty, buttery flavor that plays really well against the soft apples.
I always buy them already chopped to save time on baking day.
For a lighter option, try: Apple Cider Cheesecake
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Apple Spice Cake
1. Prep the pan and oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan generously with butter or nonstick spray.
- Line the bottom with parchment paper if you want extra insurance against sticking, though it is not strictly necessary with a well-greased pan.
- Set the pan aside while you make the batter.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Make sure the spices are evenly distributed through the flour so you don’t end up with a clump of cinnamon in one bite.
- Set the bowl aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- The mixture should look smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients
- Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, folding gently with a rubber spatula each time.
- Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain.
- Overmixing at this stage is what makes cakes turn out dense and tough, so be gentle.
5. Fold in the apples and pecans
- Add the diced apples to the batter and fold them in with a few gentle strokes.
- If using, fold in the chopped pecans at the same time.
- The batter will be quite thick and chunky at this point, which is exactly what you want.
6. Bake the cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer with a spatula.
- Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Avoid opening the oven door during the first 25 minutes so the cake rises evenly.
7. Cool the cake completely
- Remove the cake from the oven and set the pan on a wire cooling rack.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 1 hour, then let it come fully to room temperature before frosting.
- Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to slide right off, so patience matters here.
8. Make the cream cheese frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, about 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the apple pie spice blend until fully combined.
9. Frost and serve
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake using an offset spatula.
- Slice into 16 pieces and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- Store any leftovers as directed below.
I learned this technique for keeping frosted cakes stable while working out the frosting ratio for German Applesauce Cake.
Tips for The Best Apple Spice Cake
A few small details make a big difference between a good version of this cake and a great one.
- Dice the apples small and uniform, around ¼-inch pieces, so they cook through evenly and don’t leave large raw chunks.
- Use a firmer apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so the pieces hold their shape instead of turning mushy.
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting, even if it means waiting an extra hour.
- Bring the cream cheese and butter to true room temperature before making the frosting to avoid lumps.
- Toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan for 3 to 4 minutes before adding them for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Another favorite for the same season: Apple Pie Spice
Serving Suggestions
This cake is rich enough to stand entirely on its own, but a few pairings take it up a notch.
- Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the frosting.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Pair with a hot mug of spiced cider or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Bring it to a holiday table alongside Apple Crumble Muffins so guests have more than one apple option to choose from.
- Serve smaller squares as part of a dessert table alongside cookies and bars.
Variations of Apple Spice Cake
Once you’ve made the base recipe, it’s easy to switch things up depending on what you’re craving or what you have on hand.
- Bundt version: Bake the same batter in a greased bundt pan for about 50 to 55 minutes, then finish with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.
- Caramel apple spice cake: Swirl a few tablespoons of caramel sauce into the batter before baking, then drizzle more over the finished frosting.
- Nut-free version: Simply omit the pecans, or swap them for a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for texture instead of crunch.
- Spiced streusel topping: Skip the frosting and instead sprinkle a cinnamon-brown sugar streusel over the batter before baking for a more rustic, coffee cake feel.
- Maple frosting: Replace the vanilla in the frosting with maple extract and a tablespoon of maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Read Also: Apple Cider Donut Bread
Storage and Reheating
This cake stores well, which makes it a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, since the cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled.
- Let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
- Frosted slices can also be frozen individually, wrapped well, and thawed in the refrigerator overnight.
- Avoid microwaving frosted slices, since the frosting will melt unevenly, instead let them come to room temperature naturally.
I first tested these storage times while developing my Apple Cider Donut Bread recipe, and the same rules hold true here.
Nutritional Facts
These values are estimated per slice, based on 16 servings from a standard 9×13 pan.
- Calories: approximately 420 per slice
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Sugar: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
Exact numbers will vary depending on the specific brands and apple variety you use.
Another favorite for the same season: Spiced Apple Cider
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While this is very much a dessert, a few of the ingredients bring a little nutritional value along for the ride.
- Apples provide fiber and vitamin C, along with natural sweetness that reduces the need for excess added sugar.
- Cinnamon has been studied for its potential to help support healthy blood sugar levels when consumed regularly.
- Cloves and nutmeg contain antioxidants that may help fight everyday oxidative stress in the body.
- Pecans offer heart-healthy unsaturated fats along with a good dose of magnesium.
- Eggs contribute protein and several essential vitamins, including B12.
You might also enjoy: Caramel Apple Crisp
FAQs About Apple Spice Cake
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake actually tastes even better the next day once the spices have had time to settle into the crumb.
Bake it a day in advance, then store it covered in the refrigerator and frost it the day you plan to serve it, or frost it right away if you prefer a shorter timeline.
2. What apples work best for this recipe?
Firmer, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking.
Softer varieties like McIntosh can work too, but expect the pieces to break down more and blend into the batter rather than staying distinct.
3. Can I make this recipe without a mixer?
You can mix the batter entirely by hand with a whisk and spatula without any issue.
The frosting is easier with a mixer since it needs to be fully smooth, but a sturdy whisk and some patience will get you there as well.
4. Why did my cake turn out dense?
Dense cake usually comes down to overmixing the batter once the flour is added, which develops too much gluten.
Mix just until the flour disappears, then stop, and fold in the apples gently rather than stirring vigorously.
5. Can I turn this into cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?
Yes, this batter works well as cupcakes, and it makes about 24 standard-size cupcakes.
Reduce the baking time to around 18 to 20 minutes, and check for doneness with a toothpick as you would with the full cake.
Apple Spice Cake
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well, about ¼-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice blend for the frosting
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch cake pan
- Hand mixer or stand mixer for the frosting
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula for frosting the cake
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp paring knife for peeling and dicing apples
- Parchment paper optional, for lining the pan
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until evenly combined.
- In a large bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each, then stir in the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet in two additions, folding gently with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced apples and the chopped pecans (if using) with a few gentle strokes. The batter will be thick and chunky.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before frosting.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the apple pie spice blend.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into 16 pieces and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Nutrition
Notes
- Dice the apples small and uniform (about ¼-inch) so they cook through evenly and don’t leave large raw chunks.
- Use a firmer apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so the pieces hold their shape instead of turning mushy.
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting—even if it means waiting an extra hour—to prevent the frosting from sliding off.
- Bring the cream cheese and butter to true room temperature before making the frosting to avoid lumps.
- Toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan for 3 to 4 minutes before adding them for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- For a Bundt version, bake in a greased Bundt pan for 50-55 minutes and finish with a powdered sugar glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.
- Swirl caramel sauce into the batter before baking and drizzle more over the finished frosting for a caramel apple spice cake.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
- Avoid microwaving frosted slices—let them come to room temperature naturally so the frosting doesn’t melt unevenly.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Apple Spice Cake has become one of those recipes I keep coming back to every time the air turns crisp.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough to bring to a holiday table without a second thought.
Give it a try this week and let the smell of cinnamon and baked apples fill your kitchen for an afternoon.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out, so drop a comment below or share a photo, and pass this recipe along to anyone who could use a little more cinnamon in their life.
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