Fresh Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze is a wonderful dessert that captures the essence of fall with every bite. Moist, cinnamon-spiced cake infused with the crispness of fresh apples, topped by a delicious brown sugar glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. It's a slice of autumn heaven that's not only delicious but also easy to make.

Fresh apple cake is an absolute delight that fills my home with warmth, love, and an intoxicating aroma. It brings back cherished memories of apple picking with my loved ones on autumn days. The moment you sink your teeth into a slice, you're greeted with tender apple chunks nestled in a heavenly, spiced batter. And oh, that brown sugar glaze! It adds a touch of sweetness and decadence that truly elevates this dessert to the next level. The joy that this cake brings is like a comforting reminder of the joys of the season. Treat yourself to a slice of fresh apple cake and let its flavors transport you to a place of pure bliss.
Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Try some of our other cake recipes, such as Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake, Pumpkin Sheet Cake, Apple Dapple Cake, or Pumpkin Pie Crunch Cake.
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Ingredients for Fresh Apple Cake
- canola or vegetable oil
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- all-purpose flour
- vanilla extract
- walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 4 apples (3 cups)
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- salt
- butter
- brown sugar
- milk or heavy cream
- powdered sugar
FAQs
Fresh Apple Cake with Glaze is a moist and flavorful cake made with fresh apples, warm spices, and often nuts. The cake is topped with a sweet glaze that adds an extra layer of deliciousness. It’s perfect for fall or any time you have fresh apples on hand.
Yes, you can use any type of apple you like, but tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well because they balance the sweetness of the cake and hold their shape during baking.
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of coffee or tea, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Top Tips
- Choose firm and tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. These apples hold their shape well during baking.
- Peel, core, and dice the apples uniformly to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
- Keep a close eye on the cake while it's in the oven. Baking times may vary depending on your oven. A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Store the cake for 3-4 days, keeping it tightly covered. Or store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
How to make Apple Cake with Glaze
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13" baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine granulated sugar and oil.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add all purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until combined, do not overmix the batter.
- Fold in cut up apples and nuts (optional).
- Spread into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and toothpick in the center comes out clean.
- When the cake is removed from the oven, start making the glaze.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar, unsalted butter, and milk. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for about 2-3 minutes, continuing to stir, until the brown sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the warm glaze, whisking continuously to ensure it's well combined and smooth. If needed, you can sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
- Pour glaze over the cake immediately.
- Allow at least 10-15 minutes for the glaze to set before serving warm. Enjoy!
Fresh Apple Cake with Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
Apple Cake
- 1 ¼ cups canola or vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 4 apples, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Brown Sugar Glaze
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2-3 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Fresh Apple Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13" baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine granulated sugar and oil.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Add all purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until combined, do not overmix the batter.
- Fold in cut up apples and nuts (optional).
- Spread into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and toothpick in the center comes out clean.
- When the cake is removed from the oven, start making the glaze.
Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar, unsalted butter, and milk. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for about 2-3 minutes, continuing to stir, until the brown sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the warm glaze, whisking continuously to ensure it's well combined and smooth. If needed, you can sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
- Pour glaze over the cake immediately. Allow at least 10-15 minutes for the glaze to set before serving warm. Enjoy!
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