The Best Moist Apple Spice Cake (Easy From-Scratch Recipe)

If you’re craving the kind of cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples, you’re in the right place. This apple spice cake is everything a fall dessert should be—soft, moist, and loaded with flavor. It’s made completely from scratch, but don’t worry—it’s easy, straightforward, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.

What sets this cake apart is the way we build flavor and moisture. Fresh shredded apples and applesauce keep every bite soft and tender, while a mix of warm spices brings out that classic fall comfort. The frosting? Brown butter cream cheese. It’s the perfect finishing touch—rich, tangy, and just a little nutty.

In a hurry? This recipe also includes simple variations for different pan sizes, plus a quick cake-mix shortcut that delivers great results with less prep. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a quiet weekend treat, this cake has you covered.

Want other cake ideas? Check out the Ultimate Easy Cake Recipe Hub for more inspiration.

Why This From-Scratch Recipe is the Best

There are a lot of apple spice cakes out there, but this one stands out for a few good reasons:

• Unbeatable Moisture: This cake stays soft for days thanks to a smart combo of shredded apples, applesauce, oil, and buttermilk. Each ingredient plays its part to lock in moisture without making it heavy.
• Rich, Warm Flavor: A well-balanced mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice gives this cake that deep, cozy flavor you want in a fall dessert. It’s spiced just right—not too bold, not too bland.
• Incredible Frosting: We’re not just spreading on any frosting—we’re using brown butter cream cheese. It adds a subtle nuttiness that takes this cake to the next level. It’s smooth, tangy, and rich all at once.
• One Recipe, Many Options: Whether you’re baking a classic layer cake, a simple bundt, a tray of cupcakes, or taking the easy route with a cake mix base, this recipe has all the variations tested and ready.

A Baker’s Guide: The Best Apples for Cake

Not all apples are equal when it comes to baking. The best ones hold their shape, bring balanced flavor, and won’t turn to mush in the oven. You want something that gives a little bite and a lot of taste.

Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose:

Apple Variety	Flavor Profile	Texture After Baking
Granny Smith	Very tart	Very firm
Honeycrisp	Sweet-tart	Firm
Braeburn	Mildly sweet	Firm
Jonagold	Sweet-tart	Tender
Pink Lady	Sweet with a hint of tart	Tender

Top Picks: We love Granny Smith for its tartness and ability to hold up in the oven. Honeycrisp is a close second—crisp, juicy, and perfectly balanced for flavor and structure.

Choosing the right apple is a small step that makes a big difference in the final cake.

Ingredients

This apple spice cake uses everyday ingredients, but together they create something special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 2¼ cups (270 g) plain flour
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch → Combining cornstarch with flour helps keep the crumb light and tender by reducing the protein content, which means less gluten development.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder + ½ teaspoon baking soda → Using both leavening agents ensures a good rise and balanced texture—soda reacts with the acidity of the apples and buttermilk, while baking powder gives an extra lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups (300 g) freshly grated apple → Grated apples melt right into the batter, adding moisture and natural sweetness while keeping the cake soft without chunks.
• 1½ cups (300 g) packed light brown sugar → Brown sugar gives more moisture than white sugar and adds depth thanks to its molasses content.
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (210 g) neutral oil → Oil keeps the crumb moist for longer, even after refrigeration. It also helps make the cake feel lighter and softer.
• ¼ cup (60 g) whole milk → Milk adds richness and moisture. Using whole milk helps create a more tender texture than low-fat versions.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling

• 1 cup (150 g) finely grated apple
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter

This filling adds an extra layer of flavor and texture between the cake layers. It’s optional, but worth it.

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4½ cups (570 g) powdered sugar
• 1½ cups (335 g) full-fat cream cheese, chilled (cold)→ Using cold cream cheese keeps the frosting sturdy and prevents it from becoming too runny as you mix.
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice → Lemon adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the frosting, balancing the overall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

This frosting is rich and tangy with a subtle kick of spice—it pulls the whole cake together.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake (Step-by-Step)

This recipe looks impressive but it’s actually simple to make. Follow these steps and you’ll get a tender, perfectly spiced cake every time.

Make the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line and grease two 8-inch round pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla, and grated apple. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry mix to the wet and stir gently until the batter is combined. Don’t beat it—just fold until no flour streaks remain.
5. Divide the batter between your pans. Bake for 30–33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.

Make the Apple Filling

1. In a small saucepan, stir together grated apple, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon juice, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened—about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Make the Frosting

1. Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the powdered sugar in batches, mixing slowly at first, then turning up the speed.
3. Add the cold cream cheese, vanilla, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Beat just until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing.

Assemble

1. Trim the tops of the cooled cake layers if needed.
2. Place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting, then pipe a ring around the edge to hold the filling.
3. Spoon the cooled apple filling into the center.
4. Add the second layer, then frost the top and sides. Use leftover frosting to pipe swirls or decorate as you like.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cake Every Time

These little habits make a big difference. Follow them and your cake will come out just right—moist, flavorful, and evenly baked.

• Measure Your Flour the Right Way
  Scooping straight from the bag packs in too much flour. Instead, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off, or better yet, use a kitchen scale. Too much flour can dry out your cake.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients
  Let your eggs, milk, and other cold ingredients sit out for 30 minutes before baking. When everything’s the same temperature, your batter blends more smoothly and bakes more evenly.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter
  Once you add the dry ingredients, mix gently and stop as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing develops the gluten and can make your cake dense instead of tender.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting
  It might be tempting to rush, but frosting a warm cake leads to melted messes. Wait until the cake is fully cool to the touch.
• For Flat Layers, Use Cake Strips
  Wrap damp cake strips around your pans before baking. They help the layers rise evenly and reduce doming, so there’s less trimming later.

Recipe Variations

This batter is flexible. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting cupcakes, or just want a simple bundt cake, here’s how to adapt it.

For a Layer Cake

Stick with two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans.

• Bake for 30–40 minutes.
• 8-inch pans will give you slightly taller layers.
• Make sure to grease and line the pans well to prevent sticking.

For a Bundt Cake

Pour the batter into a well-greased 10- to 12-cup bundt pan.

• Bake for 45–60 minutes.
• Let it cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before turning it out to finish cooling.

For Cupcakes

Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners.

• Fill each about 2/3 full.
• Bake for 18–22 minutes.
• This recipe makes around 24 cupcakes.

Quick Cake Mix Shortcut

Need something even faster?

Start with 1 box of spice cake mix.

• Prepare the batter as directed on the box (usually with water, oil, and eggs).
• Stir in 2 finely chopped Granny Smith apples and 1–2 teaspoons of apple pie spice.
• Bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

You’ll still get that warm, homemade flavor—just with half the effort.

Storing, Freezing, and Making Ahead

Good news—this cake holds up beautifully, whether you’re making it ahead for a gathering or saving leftovers for later.

Storing

• Room Temperature: If the cake is unfrosted, keep it in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerated: Once frosted, it’s best to store it in the fridge, especially with cream cheese frosting. It’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before serving so it softens up.

Freezing

• Cake Layers: Wrap unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
• Whole Frosted Cake: Chill the cake uncovered in the fridge until the frosting firms up, then wrap gently with plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw slowly in the fridge before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

• You can make the cake layers and the apple filling a day in advance.
• The frosting can be made up to 3 days ahead—just store it in the fridge and let it come to room temp before using.

The Best Apple Spice Cake Recipe Card (Printable)

The Best Moist Apple Spice Cake From Scratch

Yield: 12 slices

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 33 minutes

Total Time: 58 minutes

A rich, tender apple spice cake made from scratch with real shredded apples, warm fall spices, and topped with brown butter cream cheese frosting. Moist, flavorful, and completely adaptable for bundt, cupcakes, or even cake mix shortcuts.

Print

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2¼ cups (270 g) plain flour
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch (makes the crumb extra soft)
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups (300 g) freshly grated apple (choose firm, flavorful ones like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady)
• 1½ cups (300 g) packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (210 g) neutral oil (like sunflower or canola)
• ¼ cup (60 g) whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 1 cup (150 g) finely grated apple
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4½ cups (570 g) powdered sugar
• 1½ cups (335 g) full-fat cream cheese, chilled
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

<ol><li>Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line and grease two 8-inch round pans.</li><li>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.</li><li>In a separate large bowl, combine the brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla, and grated apple. Stir until smooth.</li><li>Add the dry mix to the wet and stir gently until the batter is combined. Don’t beat it—just fold until no flour streaks remain.</li><li>Divide the batter between your pans. Bake for 30–33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.<br/></li></ol><h3>Apple Filling:</h3><ol><li>In a small saucepan, stir together grated apple, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon juice, and butter.</li><li>Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until thickened—about 5–7 minutes.</li><li>Remove from heat and let it cool completely.<br/></li></ol><h3>Frosting:</h3><ol><li>Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.</li><li>Add the powdered sugar in batches, mixing slowly at first, then turning up the speed.</li><li>Add the cold cream cheese, vanilla, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Beat just until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing.<br/></li></ol><h3>Assembly:</h3><ol><li>Trim the tops of the cooled cake layers if needed.</li><li>Place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting, then pipe a ring around the edge to hold the filling.</li><li>Spoon the cooled apple filling into the center.</li><li>Add the second layer, then frost the top and sides. Use leftover frosting to pipe swirls or decorate as you like.</li></ol>

Notes

For bundt, cupcake, or cake mix variations, scroll to the “Recipe Variations” section above.

Best apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Store frosted cake in fridge; unfrosted layers can be frozen for later.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 Slice
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 525Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 300mgCarbohydrates: 65gNet Carbohydrates: 63gFiber: 2gSugar: 45gProtein: 5g

This nutritional information is an estimate based on standard online calculators and ingredients listed. Actual values may vary depending on portion sizes, substitutions, or brand variations. Always consult your preferred tools or a nutritionist for precise calculations if needed.

Baker’s Troubleshooting & FAQ

Even seasoned bakers run into hiccups. Here are answers to the most common apple spice cake questions:

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking this for a cozy fall weekend or bringing it to a holiday table, this apple spice cake delivers every time. It’s simple enough for weeknights but rich and flavorful enough to impress any crowd. The mix of warm spices, real apples, and creamy frosting hits all the right notes.

Want more easy dessert ideas like this one? Explore our full Ultimate Easy Cake Recipe Hub for even more reliable, from-scratch favorites.