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Spiced Apple Cake with Cinnamon Glaze

Spiced Apple Cake with Cinnamon Glaze

A moist and tender spiced apple cake topped with a luscious cinnamon glaze that's perfect for any season

Spiced Apple Cake with Cinnamon Glaze

A moist and tender spiced apple cake topped with a luscious cinnamon glaze that's perfect for any season

1 hour 10 minutes

Prep Time

45 minutes

Cook Time

Easy

Level

Serves 12

Servings

1 hour 10 minutes

Prep Time

45 minutes

Cook Time

Easy

Level

Serves 12

Servings

There’s something magical about the combination of tender apples, warm spices, and a sweet cinnamon glaze that makes this cake absolutely irresistible. This spiced apple cake has become my go-to recipe when I want to fill the house with the most incredible aroma and treat my family to something special. The cake stays beautifully moist thanks to the apples, while the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves creates that perfect autumn warmth we all crave. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast with coffee or as an afternoon treat, this cake never fails to impress.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
    2
    cups
  • baking powder
    1½
    teaspoons
  • ground cinnamon
    1
    teaspoon
  • ground nutmeg
    ½
    teaspoon
  • ground cloves
    ¼
    teaspoon
  • salt
    ½
    teaspoon
  • unsalted butter
    ½
    cup
  • granulated sugar
    ¾
    cup
  • large eggs
    2
    pieces
  • vanilla extract
    1
    teaspoon
  • whole milk
    ½
    cup
  • apples
    2
    medium
  • powdered sugar
    1
    cup
  • whole milk
    3
    tablespoons
  • ground cinnamon
    ½
    teaspoon
  • vanilla extract
    ¼
    teaspoon

Tips

  1. Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

  2. Replace one apple with diced pears for a delicious apple-pear combination.

  3. Make it a coffee cake by adding a streusel topping made with butter, brown sugar, flour, and extra cinnamon.

  4. Create individual cupcakes by dividing the batter among 18 muffin cups and baking for 18-22 minutes.

  5. Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly twist on this classic cake.

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cake can be frozen (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh glaze before serving.

Steps:

Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter and lightly dust with flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined - don't overmix.
Fold in Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, making sure they're evenly distributed throughout.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Make the Cinnamon Glaze
While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.
Glaze and Serve
Once the cake has cooled for about 15 minutes, drizzle the cinnamon glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Nutritions

  • Calories

    285 kcal

    Energy

    1193 kJ

    Protein

    4.2 g

    Fat

    8.5 g

    Carbohydrates

    52.1 g

    Fiber

    1.8 g

    Sugars

    38.6 g

    Salt

    0.3 g

Recipe Variations

This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste. Try one of the variations below to change the flavor or ingredients.

  1. Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

  2. Replace one apple with diced pears for a delicious apple-pear combination.

  3. Make it a coffee cake by adding a streusel topping made with butter, brown sugar, flour, and extra cinnamon.

  4. Create individual cupcakes by dividing the batter among 18 muffin cups and baking for 18-22 minutes.

  5. Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly twist on this classic cake.

FAQ

Yes, you can substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer following package directions. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Peel the apples and cut them into small, uniform pieces about ¼ to ½ inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly and distribute well throughout the cake.
Yes, you can use two 8-inch round pans or a 10-inch tube pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly – round pans may need 35-40 minutes, while a tube pan might need 50-55 minutes.
The cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched in the center and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Absolutely! The cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it covered at room temperature.