Soft Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Fudge Frosting – Moist, Spiced & Indulgent
Introduction
This Soft Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Fudge Frosting is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. Moist, tender, and packed with fresh apple chunks, it’s topped with a rich, caramel‑like fudge frosting that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for cozy fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or Sunday family dinners, this cake is a showstopper that balances rustic charm with indulgent flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake
3 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2–2½ cups)
3 cups all‑purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Fudge Frosting
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup milk or heavy cream
2–2½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Apples
Peel and dice apples into small cubes. Toss lightly with 2 tbsp flour to prevent sinking in the batter.
Step 2: Make Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13‑inch pan.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream.
Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in diced apples.
Step 3: Bake
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
Bake 40–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make Frosting
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar and cook 2–3 minutes until smooth and caramel‑like.
Add milk, bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla.
Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until thick and spreadable.
Step 5: Frost & Serve
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.
Let set for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
Apple choice: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness.
Extra moist crumb: Sour cream or yogurt keeps the cake tender.
Flavor boost: Add ½ tsp ground ginger or cardamom for warmth.
Texture variation: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Storage: Keep covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Variations
Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over frosting.
Apple Spice Loaf: Bake batter in loaf pans instead of a sheet pan.
Apple Cupcakes: Divide batter into muffin tins and frost individually.
Maple Frosting: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup in frosting.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Pair with hot apple cider or coffee.
Cut into squares for potlucks or parties.
Garnish with apple slices or cinnamon dust for presentation.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Frosting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12–16 slices
Final Thoughts
This Soft Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Fudge Frosting is moist, spiced, and indulgent. The tender apple‑filled crumb pairs beautifully with the rich, caramel‑like frosting, making it a dessert that feels both rustic and luxurious. It’s a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again, especially during cozy fall and winter months.