Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

There is something truly magical about an Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream—it’s like autumn on a plate and a warm hug all rolled into one. This cake boasts tender layers infused with cozy spices and natural apple sweetness, perfectly balanced by a luscious, creamy buttercream that delivers notes of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a slice of comfort, this cake brings together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable flavor and texture experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream is key to capturing its perfect balance of flavor and moist texture. Each component plays a role—from the fragrant spices to the smooth, rich buttercream—ensuring the cake turns out heavenly every time.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 Cups / 332g): Provides the sturdy base for a tender crumb.
• Baking soda (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Works alongside soda to give lightness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice that defines the cake’s warm, comforting profile.
• Ground nutmeg (1 tsp): Adds a gentle, nutty warmth.
• Allspice (1/2 tsp): Brings complexity with its hints of clove and pepper.
• Unsalted butter (3 Cups total / 678g, room temperature): Ensures richness in both cake and frosting.
• Light or dark brown sugar (3/4 Cup / 150g): Gives moistness and a subtle caramel note.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/4 Cups / 250g): Sweetens while supporting structure.
• Pure vanilla extract (5 tsp total): Infuses the recipe with fragrant warmth in both cake and buttercream.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
• Unsweetened applesauce (2 1/2 Cups / 605g): The secret to moist, tender cake layers with natural apple essence.
• Powdered sugar (7 Cups / 840g): Creates a silky-smooth frosting that melts on the tongue.
• Whole milk (3 Tbsp / 45ml, room temperature): Lightens the buttercream for perfect spreading consistency.
• Cinnamon (2 tsp): Sprinkled into the frosting to echo the warm spice theme.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness in the buttercream.
• Apple slices (3): Decorative and delicious; adds fresh appeal.
• Biscoff cookie crumbs (1 cookie ground): Optional, for a crunchy, spiced garnish twist.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Get your cake pans ready by spraying the sides with cooking spray and lining the bottoms with wax or parchment paper circles. This prevents sticking and ensures your cake layers come out clean and perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium bowl. This blend is where the spice magic begins, setting the foundation for that signature Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter on high speed until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale—this aeration makes for a wonderfully soft cake texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Vanilla, Egg, and Applesauce

Slowly add vanilla extract and the egg on low speed, then increase to medium and beat for one full minute. Alternately add the dry mix and applesauce in three parts, beginning and ending with the dry mix. This approach keeps the batter thick yet smooth and packed with moist apple flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly among the prepared pans, filling each no more than two-thirds full so the cakes bake evenly without spilling over. Bake for 36-42 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cooling completely is essential before frosting to keep the layers from melting your buttercream.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream

Whisk the powdered sugar and cinnamon together, then cream the butter until fluffy over 5 minutes. Add the powdered sugar mixture gradually, scraping the bowl often, and mix until fully combined. Finally, mix in vanilla, milk, and salt until the frosting is perfectly smooth and spreadable—this is the luscious finishing touch that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Level your cooled cake layers to your liking, then layer and fill with generous amounts of cinnamon-vanilla buttercream. Crumb coat the entire cake and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up the frosting. Then add a smooth final layer of frosting, pipe decorative borders, and finish with apple slices and cookie crumbs for that charming look.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream

Garnishes

Fresh apple slices nestled on top add a crisp, juicy contrast while echoing the cake’s fruity core. A sprinkle of ground Biscoff cookie crumbs offers a surprising crunch and spice twist that complements the cinnamon-vanilla buttercream beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a warm cup of chai tea or a smooth latte to enhance the cozy spices. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also pairs wonderfully with the layers of Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into petite squares and serving on dessert platters with cinnamon-dusted edges. For festive occasions, decorate with edible gold leaf or caramel drizzle that highlights the cake’s warm flavors, making it both delicious and visually stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream tightly with plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for sneaking an extra slice each day!

Freezing

To freeze, place the whole cake or individual layers in a freezer-safe container, wrapped well in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting or serving for best texture and taste.

Reheating

Since this cake shines cold or at room temperature, avoid microwaving it. Instead, let frozen or refrigerated slices come to room temperature on the countertop for about 30 minutes before enjoying the full depth of the Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?

While fresh apples can add lovely texture, applesauce keeps the cake moist and tender throughout. If you want to incorporate fresh apples, consider folding in finely chopped pieces, but still keep the applesauce for moisture.

Is this cake suitable for freezing after frosting?

Yes! You can freeze the fully frosted Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream. Just wrap it carefully to protect the frosting and thaw gently in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make the buttercream dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan butter and use a plant-based milk of your choice. The cinnamon and vanilla flavors will still shine.

What’s the best way to keep the cake moist?

Keeping the cake tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge once frosted preserves moisture. Additionally, the applesauce in the batter is your secret weapon to lasting moisture and tender crumb.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check for any thickeners or additives included and adjust baking times if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream truly feels like a special hug from the inside out. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it has such a devoted following. It’s approachable yet impressive, cozy yet bright, and absolutely bursting with comforting autumnal flavors. I can’t wait for you to bake it, share it, and fall in love with every single bite.

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