Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

I absolutely love how this Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe turns out every time — it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. The cozy blend of tender apple bits, fragrant spices, and that dreamy cinnamon glaze makes it perfect for any season, especially when you want something comforting but not overly sweet.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the apple cider and fresh grated apple worked together to keep the cake moist and flavorful. You’ll find that it’s an ideal choice for brunches, holiday gatherings, or even a quiet afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a cake that’s both comforting and fresh — each one plays a part in building those layered autumn flavors.

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter creams easily for a fluffy batter—don’t skip softening it beforehand!
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness without overpowering the spice notes.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and caramel undertones that complement the apples perfectly.
• Eggs: They bind everything together; use room temp eggs for better mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle enhancer that deepens the flavor without stealing the show.
• All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level to avoid a dense cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt: Balances out sweetness and highlights spice flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: The warm, cozy spices that make this cake feel like fall in every bite.
• Apple Cider: Not just any apple liquid here — cider adds tang and moisture without watering down the batter like apple juice might.
• Fresh Apple, peeled and grated: Pro tip: place grated apples between paper towels to absorb excess moisture before adding to batter to keep your cake from getting soggy.
• Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Sifted to ensure a smooth, lump-free topping.
• Heavy Cream or Whole Milk (for glaze): Provides the creamy texture crucial for that luscious glaze.

Variations

I love making this Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe my own by tweaking a few things depending on the season or dietary needs—feel free to get creative!

• Nut-Free Version: I omit the nutmeg or replace it with a pinch of allspice if allergies are a concern, and it still tastes amazing.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve successfully swapped in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with great results for family members who avoid gluten.
• Apple Variations: Tried it with tart Granny Smith versus sweeter Fuji apples – both deliver delicious but subtly different flavor profiles.
• Spice Adjustments: Sometimes I dial up the cinnamon in the glaze for extra zip or add a pinch of cloves for a more autumnal twist.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. I like to let the parchment hang over the edges so I can easily lift the cake out once it’s baked. This little step makes slicing and cleanup much easier — trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter with both granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This aeration is key to your cake’s tender crumb. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl sides once or twice to keep everything evenly mixed.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. I always find this makes for a smoother batter and prevents curdling. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix just to combine.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate with Cider

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the wonderful trio of spices – cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This balance keeps your batter silky and flavorful without becoming dense.

Step 5: Fold in the Fresh Grated Apple

Now gently fold in the grated apple using a large spatula. Don’t overmix here — the goal is to keep the batter light while evenly distributing those soft apple bits. Pro tip: using paper towels to drain excess moisture from the apples beforehand prevents sogginess in your cake.

Step 6: Bake and Check for Doneness

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake it on the center rack for 55 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the top towards the end — if it starts browning too quickly, tent a large piece of foil over it. Use a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake to test; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Then Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment overhang. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before glazing — the glaze melts if the cake is warm, and you want that beautiful cinnamon drizzle to stay distinct and glossy.

Step 8: Make and Drizzle the Cinnamon Glaze

For the glaze, sift powdered sugar into a bowl, then whisk in heavy cream (or whole milk) and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more cream if it’s too thick. I love drizzling this over the cake with a spoon or piping bag for a neat drizzle effect.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon on top of the glaze for an inviting look and aroma. Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch if you want to bring in some texture contrast. For a festive touch, a few thin apple slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar brightens the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with spiced herbal teas or a warm chai latte for a cozy combo. If you’re serving brunch, creamy whipped mascarpone or vanilla ice cream on the side amps up the indulgence. Even a simple dollop of Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness and add a fresh tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this apple spice cake as mini loaf bites on a beautiful platter with edible flowers for a fresh flair. Layered with extra glaze and thin apple slices, it makes a gorgeous centerpiece dessert. You can also cube it for fondue skewers with warm caramel or melted chocolate for a fun party twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and I love how the flavors even deepen after a day or two. Just keep it in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices individually wrapped in parchment and foil, which thaw beautifully without losing moisture. It’s great for making ahead if you want to have ready-to-go slices for unexpected guests or weekday treats.

Reheating

To reheat leftover slices, I pop them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them briefly in a toaster oven — brings back that fresh-baked feel. If glazed, reheating gently avoids melting the glaze too much while warming the cake through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze Recipe has become a beloved classic in my kitchen because it brings together all the comfort of warm spices and fresh apples with a luscious glaze that’s simple yet elegant. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family weekend or a friendly get-together, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the process and the delightful results as much as I do. Give it a try—I can’t wait to hear how much your loved ones go crazy for this one!

Print