Autumn Apple Cake Recipe – Frosted Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

Posted on October 3, 2025

A slice of moist Autumn Apple Cake Recipes with warm brown sugar glaze, showcasing fresh apples, cinnamon spices, and perfect for Fall Time Dessert Recipes lovers.

If there’s one dessert that screams Fall Time Dessert Recipes, it’s this cozy, tender, and flavorful Autumn Apple Cake Recipe. Picture this: a cake packed with juicy, freshly grated honey crisp apples, warming spices that fill your kitchen with the scent of autumn, and a drizzle of rich brown sugar glaze that melts into every nook and cranny. Yeah, it’s basically a hug in cake form.

This isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration of the season. Crisp mornings, blankets, pumpkin patches, and apple picking all pair perfectly with a slice of this Apple Spice Cake With Apples. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want dessert that doubles as breakfast…or late-afternoon therapy?

What Makes This Autumn Apple Cake Irresistible

Four reasons this cake will steal your heart:

No mixer required. Seriously, less cleanup and just as much deliciousness as a fussy layer cake.
Brown sugar glaze magic. Pour it over the cake while it’s still warm and watch it sink into the nooks—sweet, molasses-y heaven.
Apples without the hassle. Grate them skin-on. No peeling, no chopping—just pure juicy goodness.
Moist and fluffy. Thanks to the addition of sour cream and oil, this cake is tender and keeps every bite soft.

If you’ve tried cakes like cinnamon crumb cake, blueberry sour cream coffee cake, or lemon poppyseed cake, this Autumn Apple Cake Recipe hits all the cozy, comforting notes with a seasonal twist.

The Best Apples for Your Apple Spice Cake

Picking the right apple is key. IMO, Honey Crisp apples are the MVP—they’re juicy, sweet, and make the cake incredibly moist. For a tart punch, Granny Smith works perfectly, while Braeburn offers a crisp, slightly tangy bite. Apple And Honey Recipes like this one thrive on using the juiciest, freshest apples you can find.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the lowdown on what goes into this cake. Everything is pretty simple, but quality ingredients make all the difference.

Dry Ingredients:

All-purpose flour – spoon and level for accurate measurement.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice – fresh is key!
Baking soda & salt – for structure and flavor balance.

Wet Ingredients:

Vegetable oil – keeps the cake tender and moist.
Sour cream – the secret weapon for richness.
Eggs – at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
Brown sugar & granulated sugar – classic sweetness.
Vanilla extract – because everything tastes better with vanilla.

Apples:

2–3 large honey crisp apples – grate them skin-on, trust me.

Brown Sugar Glaze:

Brown sugar, salted butter, heavy cream, powdered sugar – for a sweet, silky finish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Grate your apples using the large holes of a box grater. Easy peasy, no peeling required.
Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl—flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl—oil, sour cream, eggs, sugars, and vanilla.
Fold wet into dry, mixing gently just until combined.
Add the apples, folding them into the batter so they distribute evenly.
Pour into a prepared pan lined with parchment paper and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Glaze it! Pour brown sugar icing over warm cake so it seeps into the nooks. Slice, serve, and swoon.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Spice Cake

Spoon and level your flour to prevent a dense, dry cake.
Room temperature eggs and sour cream mix more evenly, keeping the batter smooth.
Fresh spices are everything—expired cinnamon? No thanks.
Parchment paper makes lifting the cake out a breeze. Don’t skip this.

Variations to Try

Swap the brown sugar glaze with caramel sauce, apple butter, or frosting from Apple And Chocolate Cake recipes.
Use different pans: 9×13, bundt, or even muffins for mini servings.
Substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt 1:1 if needed.
Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Swap apples for carrots or pears if you’re feeling adventurous.

Best Ways to Serve

Warm with coffee for a cozy morning treat.
Slice for a lunchbox September Dessert Recipes snack.
Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a Frosted Dessert moment.
Pair with cinnamon tea for a traditional Apple Patisserie vibe.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Room temperature: 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Fridge: Up to 5 days, wrapped tightly.
Freezer: Up to 3 months, unfrosted. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other apples besides Honey Crisp?
Absolutely! Granny Smith adds tartness, and Braeburn adds a firm texture.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Swap sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and use plant-based butter in the glaze.

Can this recipe be doubled?
Sure! Just adjust your baking pan and bake time accordingly—check with a toothpick.

Can I turn this into a muffin version?
Totally. Divide the batter into a muffin tin, bake for 20–25 minutes, and drizzle glaze once cooled.

This Autumn Apple Cake Recipe is basically Fall in dessert form. It’s moist, cozy, loaded with apples, and topped with that irresistible brown sugar glaze. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, enjoying a slice with coffee, or sneaking a bite after the kids go to bed, it’s the kind of cake that makes the season feel complete.

So grab those honey crisp apples, dust off the spices, and get ready to make a cake that’s going to be a go-to in your International Apple Recipes lineup. From Apple Spice Cake With Apples to other Apple And Chocolate Cake twists, this is your ticket to fall baking bliss!