Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 3/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
For the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined. This dry mixture will provide the cake’s signature warm spice flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, applesauce, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well incorporated. This moist base will help keep the cake tender.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Fold in Grated Apple: Gently fold the grated apple into the batter, distributing it evenly for added texture and fresh apple flavor throughout the cake.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling fully is important before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and salt, then mix to combine.
- Add Sugar to Frosting: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula.
- Add Salted Caramel Swirls: Spoon the salted caramel sauce over the frosted cake, then use a butter knife to gently swirl the caramel into the frosting creating beautiful ribbon-like swirls.
- Serve: Cut the cake into 16 pieces and serve. Enjoy the moist apple spice cake with its rich salted caramel cream cheese frosting!
Notes
- Use grated apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for optimal tartness and texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making frosting for a smooth consistency.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For deeper caramel flavor, make your own salted caramel sauce or use a high-quality store-bought version.
- Allow cake to cool completely to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
