Name: Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped Granny Smith apples; 2 cups granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 lightly beaten eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk; 1 cup roughly chopped pecans; 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese; ¼ cup softened salted butter; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup light brown sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 52 reviews

If you’re a fan of cozy flavors and moist cakes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how the warm spices and tender apples combine with crunchy pecans, all topped off with a luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting that’s just dreamy. When I first tried this recipe, it instantly became a favorite in my kitchen—and trust me, once you bake it, your family and friends will go crazy for it too. So stick around, because I’m sharing all the tips and tricks that’ll have you baking this delicious treat like a pro.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with fresh apples: Using Granny Smith apples keeps the cake moist and adds a perfect tart balance to the sweetness.
Perfectly spiced: The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen with fall vibes and makes every bite cozy and comforting.
Rich, fluffy frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting is light, smooth, and not overly sweet—a fantastic complement to the cake.
Easy to make in one pan: No fancy tools or complicated steps—just simple, accessible baking that anyone can tackle.

Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe uses common ingredients that come together to create layered flavors and delightful textures. Grab good quality pecans and fresh Granny Smith apples to really make this cake shine.

Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe - Ingredients

Granny Smith apples: I love their tartness and firm texture which holds up perfectly during baking without turning mushy.
Granulated sugar: Balances the tart apple flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist—don’t swap it with butter here or the texture will be different.
Eggs: Lightly beaten to add structure and richness without making the batter too dense.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake’s structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to help the cake rise and be fluffy.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential warming spices that bring the “spice” to our spice cake.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Milk: Just enough to moisten the batter before baking.
Pecans: Roughly chopped for a nice crunch and nutty flavor throughout.
Cream cheese: For that silky frosting with a tangy kick—room temperature is key!
Salted butter: Softened to blend smoothly with the cream cheese.
Light brown sugar: Gives the frosting its signature caramel notes and sweetness.

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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.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to swap nuts, experiment with spices, or add a touch of something special, there’s room for creativity here.

Nut swap: I’ve tried using walnuts instead of pecans, and while pecans add a buttery crunch, walnuts offer a slightly earthier flavor that’s just as good.
Spice boost: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for an extra warming punch when I’m craving more autumn vibes.
Gluten-free option: You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend—but be sure to check your baking powder and soda are gluten-free too.
Sugar swap: For a less sweet frosting, reduce the brown sugar by a quarter cup and add a touch of honey or maple syrup for depth.

How to Make Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to spray a 9x13x1-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and then dust it lightly with flour to make sure the cake doesn’t stick. Don’t forget to tap out the excess flour—that helps the cake release easily once it’s baked. This pre-prep sets you up for an easy clean and perfect cake shape.

Step 2: Mix the Apples and Wet Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, combine those crisp chopped Granny Smith apples with sugar. This combo lets the apples begin to release juice that keeps your cake moist. Next, stir in the vegetable oil, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. You’ll notice how the batter looks rich and inviting right away. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula for the best mix.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. I find that whisking the dry ingredients really helps to evenly disperse the spices and leavening agents, so your cake bakes perfectly through.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the dry flour mixture to your apple and wet mixture. Stir gently to combine without overmixing—overworking the batter can make it tough, and you definitely want that tender crumb! Then pour in the milk and stir just until combined. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans for that satisfying crunch every bite. I like to mix in pecans last so they don’t get too soggy but are evenly spread.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Here’s a tip: start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before moving on to frosting—it’s tempting to dive in right away, but patience really pays off here!

Step 6: Whip Up the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a hand mixer, beat room temperature cream cheese on high until smooth. Then add softened salted butter and beat again—scrape the bowl sides often to get it all incorporated evenly. Add vanilla extract and brown sugar, then beat for 5 minutes on medium-high speed until it’s light, fluffy, and the sugar has dissolved completely. This frosting is what takes this cake over the top—it’s rich without being too sweet.

Step 7: Frost and Chill

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula for smooth coverage. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving so the frosting firms up but stays creamy. Pro tip: If you want neat slices, chill for a bit longer to make cutting easier without frosting sticking to your knife.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Keep apples evenly chopped: I learned this the hard way—big apple chunks don’t bake evenly, so aim for consistent small pieces for perfect texture.
Don’t overmix your batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake, which can happen if the batter is worked too much.
Use room temperature cream cheese and butter: This is crucial to get your frosting smooth and creamy without lumps—warm ingredients blend beautifully.
Cool cake completely before frosting: This keeps the frosting from melting and sliding off, ensuring the cake looks as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top after frosting for a pretty presentation and extra crunch. Sometimes I add a light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices fan-shaped in the center for that inviting rustic look that says “eat me!”

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot spiced apple cider or chai tea—both complement the spices perfectly. If you want to elevate dessert night, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried cutting the cake into small squares and serving on wooden boards with different nut butters and fresh fruit on the side. It makes for a fun dessert spread. You can also pipe the frosting in pretty rosettes using a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy—my guests loved the extra flourish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. It stays moist and the frosting holds up well for up to 4 days. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing works wonders with this cake! I slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture stays great, and the frosting softens beautifully—perfect for getting ahead of dessert plans.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cake, I gently reheat a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds—you don’t want it hot, just pleasantly warm to bring out the flavors. The frosting softens but doesn’t melt away, making every bite comforting and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use different apples for this cake?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are my favorite because their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold up well during baking. However, you can try Fuji or Honeycrisp, but keep in mind they’re sweeter and softer, which may affect the cake’s moisture and flavor slightly.
Is it okay to substitute the oil with butter?

You can substitute melted butter for vegetable oil, but the texture will be a bit different—oil keeps the cake more moist and tender. If you use butter, make sure it’s melted and cooled before mixing to avoid scrambling the eggs.
How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet or sticky, it needs more time. Start checking at 30 minutes and bake up to 40 minutes, depending on your oven.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting a day ahead and keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator. Before spreading, give it a quick whisk or beat to bring back that smooth texture if it has firmed up.
What’s the best way to store leftover frosted cake?

Store the leftover frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe is special to me because it’s the ultimate cozy dessert that’s both impressive and approachable. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday treat, or just a weekend baking project, this cake brings that warm, homemade feeling everyone appreciates. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll discover how the flavors and textures come together to create something truly wonderful. Plus, the compliments you’ll get? Totally worth every minute spent baking.