Name: Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped Granny Smith apples; 2 cups granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 lightly beaten eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk; 1 cup roughly chopped pecans; 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese; ¼ cup softened salted butter; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup light brown sugar

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug, I absolutely love sharing this Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe. It’s packed with tart apples, crunchy pecans, and spiced just right — then topped with a dreamy brown sugar cream cheese frosting that’s just irresistible. When I first baked this, my whole kitchen smelled like fall and everyone begged for seconds. Keep reading because I’m going to walk you through every step to make sure your cake turns out just as stunning and delicious as mine does every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with fresh apples: The Granny Smith apples bring a perfect sweet-tart balance that keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
Warm, cozy spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg create that quintessential baked-good aroma and taste you can’t resist.
Rich, creamy frosting: The brown sugar cream cheese frosting is a game-changer—sweet without being overpowering, with a velvety texture.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual weekend treat or a holiday showstopper, this cake never disappoints.

The image shows a close-up of a piece of cake held by a woman's hand with a gold fork over a white plate with brown speckles. The cake is crumbly with a light brown color and visible chunks of nuts or fruit inside. On top of the cake is a thick layer of pale cream frosting with small nut pieces sprinkled throughout. Surrounding the cake on the plate are some crumbs and scattered nut pieces. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting, apple pecan spice cake, fall spiced cake recipe, cozy apple dessert, brown sugar frosting cake

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s great about these ingredients is how they work together to create layers of flavor and texture—from the juicy apples to the nutty pecans, all balanced by warm spices. When shopping, try to get fresh, crisp Granny Smith apples and good-quality pecans for the best results.

Flat lay of a pile of chopped bright green Granny Smith apples, a mound of white granulated sugar, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of clear milk, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a heap of creamy white room temperature cream cheese, a small mound of pale yellow softened salted butter, a small white bowl of cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of nutmeg powder, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of baking soda, a small white bowl of salt, and a pile of roughly chopped pecans, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting, apple pecan spice cake, fall spiced cake recipe, cozy apple dessert, brown sugar frosting cake

Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness and adds moisture to the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples and the batter—don’t skip this step for balanced flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake soft and tender—avoid butter here to maintain moistness.
Eggs: Lightly beaten to help bind everything without making the cake dense.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor in both cake and frosting.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure—sifted well to avoid lumps.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The dynamic duo that lifts and lightens the cake perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Spices that bring warmth and that unmistakable spice cake vibe.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the spices.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps mix the batter to the right consistency.
Chopped Pecans: Give the cake a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Cream Cheese & Salted Butter: Softened for a smooth, luscious frosting base.
Light Brown Sugar: For a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the frosting.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I adore this recipe just as is, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find it responds well to little changes!

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend once, and it turned out surprisingly great—just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
Nut-Free Option: If pecans aren’t your thing or for allergies, try substituting with sunflower seeds or leaving them out entirely; the cake remains moist and flavorful.
Richer Spices: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger when I want a bit more complexity in the spice profile—it’s like a mini spice adventure.
Apple Substitutes: Using Honeycrisp apples works well, too; they’re sweeter, so you might reduce sugar slightly for balance.

How to Make Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always make sure it’s fully heated before popping in the cake to ensure even baking. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and then lightly dust it with flour—this helps the cake release easily without sticking. Tap out the excess flour so you don’t end up with a floury crust on the edges.

Step 2: Mix the Apples and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped Granny Smith apples and granulated sugar. I love this part because the sugar starts drawing out the apple’s natural juices—this keeps the cake wonderfully moist. Then stir in the vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until everything’s well incorporated. Be gentle here; you want the apples coated evenly but no need to overmix.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step is key because it distributes the rising agents and spices evenly. I’ve learned that if you skip this, you might get clumps or uneven flavor pockets in your cake.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Add the dry ingredients to the apple mixture and stir gently to combine. Don’t overmix here—just enough to blend, so the cake stays tender. Then pour in the milk and stir until just combined. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans for that lovely crunch. The batter will be nice and thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. I always start checking around 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Cool the cake completely in the pan to make frosting easier and prevent it from melting.

Step 6: Whip Up the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a hand mixer, beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth, then add softened butter and continue beating. Make sure to scrape down the bowl so no lumps hide in corners. Add the vanilla extract and brown sugar, then beat on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and the sugar dissolves completely. This step really makes a difference—you don’t want gritty frosting!

Step 7: Spread and Chill

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or butter knife. I like to get a nice thick layer because that’s where the magic happens. Pop the cake in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve—it helps the frosting firm up and the flavors to meld.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

Choose tart, firm apples: Granny Smith is my favorite because it holds up well and adds brightness without turning mushy.
Don’t overmix batter: Overmixing activates gluten and can make your cake tough; stir until ingredients are just incorporated.
Soften cream cheese and butter: Make sure they are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
Check cake doneness with care: Use a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfect and still moist inside.

How to Serve Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe

The image shows a square piece of moist cake on a white plate with a white marbled background. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is a light brown, crumbly texture with visible small nuts inside, and the top layer is a thick, creamy frosting with a smooth, pale cream color. The frosting is sprinkled with small chopped nuts that add a slightly rough texture on top. The edges of the cake are clean and sharp, and a few crumbs and nut pieces are scattered on the plate around the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting, apple pecan spice cake, fall spiced cake recipe, cozy apple dessert, brown sugar frosting cake

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnish simple—just a sprinkle of extra chopped toasted pecans on top adds a pleasing crunch. Sometimes I add a few delicate apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon for an elegant touch when guests are coming over.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. If you want something lighter, a cup of spiced apple cider or chai tea makes for a perfect cozy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to make mini versions of this cake in muffin tins and frost them individually—so you get little personal-sized treats that look adorable and taste just as amazing. You can also serve slices on rustic wooden boards with a scatter of pecans and apple slices for a charming fall-themed dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge—thanks to the cream cheese frosting, it keeps really well and tastes just as fresh for 3-4 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This is one cake that freezes beautifully. I like to freeze it unfrosted, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add the freshly whipped brown sugar cream cheese frosting. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

If you want to warm a slice, I gently heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds — just enough to bring out the spices and soften the frosting slightly without melting it. This simple trick really revives the flavors and gives you that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can substitute with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples for a sweeter or slightly different texture. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require a small reduction in sugar to keep the cake balanced.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is ready. Avoid opening the oven door too much early on to prevent sinking.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the brown sugar cream cheese frosting a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Before frosting, give it a quick whip with a mixer to restore fluffiness if it has thickened.
Is this recipe good for a holiday dessert?

Definitely! The warm spices, apples, and brown sugar frosting make it a quintessential fall or winter dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering where comfort food is welcome.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those desserts that brings people together. Every bite tastes like autumn itself—and it’s one of those rare cakes that tastes even better the next day. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Trust me, once you do, it’ll become your go-to for cozy celebrations and everyday sweet moments alike.