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Fresh Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

Fresh Apple Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert bursting with tender chunks of apple, enveloped in a cinnamon and nutmeg-infused batter. Topped optionally with a luscious brown sugar glaze or a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, this cake is perfect served warm or at room temperature for cozy autumn gatherings or anytime comfort cravings strike.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) orange juice

Fruit

  • 3 cups (360g) peeled chopped apples (1/2-inch chunks, about 2–3 large apples)

Brown Sugar Glaze

  • 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • small pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup (60g) confectioner’s sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and allspice until evenly mixed. Set aside.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange juice together until well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Then gently fold in the chopped apples, making sure they are well-distributed; don’t worry if it looks like a lot of apples—that’s perfect!
  5. Pour Batter and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, keeping an eye on the cake. Around 30 minutes in, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent the cake from over-browning. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before adding any toppings or serving.
  7. Optional Topping – Confectioners’ Sugar: If desired, dust the warm cake lightly with 2 tablespoons (15g) of sifted confectioners’ sugar right before serving for a simple, sweet finish.
  8. Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze: While the cake cools, combine butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a small pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts. Stop stirring once the mixture boils rapidly and let it boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low, stir once quickly, and let it simmer for an additional minute.
  9. Finish the Glaze: Remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar. Let the glaze cool and thicken for at least 20 minutes. If it thickens too much, warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds and stir until smooth.
  10. Glaze and Serve: Spoon the brown sugar glaze over the slightly warm cake just before serving. The cake can be enjoyed glazed, dusted, or plain, and served warm or at room temperature.
  11. Store Leftovers: Cover any leftovers and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Note that dusted confectioners’ sugar will dissolve into the cake after a few hours.

Notes

  • The chopped apples add moisture and texture, making the cake tender and flavorful.
  • Tenting the cake with foil halfway through baking prevents excessive browning on top while ensuring the inside cooks evenly.
  • If the brown sugar glaze becomes too thick after cooling, gently reheat it to restore the perfect pouring consistency.
  • This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and makes a comforting dessert for fall and winter seasons.
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter integration and cake texture.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/fresh-apple-cake-with-brown-sugar-glaze-recipe/