Apple Butter Cake

Apple Butter Cake is the ultimate fall dessert—rich, moist, and packed with warm spices and apple flavor. This easy-to-make spice cake is sweetened with both brown sugar and apple butter, layered with the texture of grated apples, and topped with a luxurious brown butter frosting. It’s the kind of cozy dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of warm, comforting fall flavors from apple butter and spices

• Ultra-moist texture thanks to oil, apple butter, and fresh grated apple

• Topped with brown butter frosting for a rich, nutty finish

• Perfect for sharing—makes a generous 9×13-inch cake

• Great for holidays or gatherings, yet simple enough for a weekend bake

• No mixer required—just bowls, a whisk, and a spatula

• Stays moist for days, making it great for make-ahead

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients:
1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Flavor Additions:
1 ½ cups homemade or store-bought apple butter
1 cup grated apple (from about 1 large or 2 small apples, peeled)

Frosting:
1 batch brown butter frosting (or your preferred frosting)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt.

3. Mix Sugars and Oil:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until well blended.

5. Combine with Dry Ingredients and Apple Butter:
Switch to a spatula. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and apple butter into the wet mixture:

• Add one-third of the dry ingredients

• Follow with half the apple butter

• Repeat, ending with the final third of the dry ingredients
  Mix until just combined after each addition.

6. Fold in Grated Apple:
Gently fold the grated apple into the batter.

7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Frost:
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, top with brown butter frosting or your frosting of choice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Use store-bought apple butter to save time—just make sure it’s unsweetened if you prefer a less sweet cake

• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch

• Make it a layer cake by dividing the batter between two 9-inch round pans

• Top with cream cheese frosting if you prefer a tangy contrast

• Add raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake (or individual frosted slices) wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm slices slightly in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It’s perfect for making a day in advance—the flavor deepens and the cake stays moist.

Can I use applesauce instead of apple butter?

Apple butter has a more concentrated flavor. You can substitute applesauce, but the flavor and texture may be less rich.

What kind of apples work best?

Any firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji is ideal for grating into the batter.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling is recommended for a smoother texture in the cake.

What is brown butter frosting?

It’s a buttercream made with butter that’s been browned in a pan, giving it a nutty, caramelized flavor. It pairs beautifully with the spiced cake.

Can I use a different oil?

Yes, canola or other neutral oils will work just as well.

Is this cake overly sweet?

It’s sweet, but balanced by the spices and tang of the frosting. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly or use less frosting.

Can I make this in a bundt pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time and grease the pan thoroughly. Check for doneness at 45–50 minutes.

Is apple butter the same as applesauce?

No, apple butter is more concentrated, caramelized, and spiced. Applesauce is lighter and more watery.

What can I use if I don’t have apple pie spice?

You can mix ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp allspice or cloves as a substitute.

Conclusion

Apple Butter Cake is the perfect blend of warm spice, rich apple flavor, and indulgent frosting—all wrapped up in a tender, moist crumb. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, fall celebration, or just treating yourself, this cake brings comfort and sweetness to the table. It’s easy to make, hard to resist, and sure to become a seasonal favorite.