Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze (The Ultimate Fall Loaf)

There is something irresistibly comforting about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and warm spices baking in the oven. Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze (The Ultimate Fall Loaf) captures everything people love about cozy seasonal baking in one beautifully moist, tender, and flavorful loaf. Packed with juicy apple chunks, rich brown sugar notes, and a silky cinnamon glaze that drips over every slice, this fall apple loaf cake is the definition of homemade comfort.

Whether you are baking for a family gathering, weekend brunch, holiday dessert table, or simply craving a warm slice with coffee, this apple spice cake loaf delivers bakery-quality flavor with simple pantry ingredients. Unlike dry or overly dense apple breads, this recipe is designed to stay incredibly moist thanks to fresh apples and a perfectly balanced batter infused with warming spices.

This cinnamon apple bread recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, beginner-friendly, and ideal for make-ahead baking. The combination of soft apples and aromatic spices creates a loaf that tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect choice for fall meal prep or holiday planning.

Why This Apple Spice Cake Is the Ultimate Fall Loaf

When it comes to fall baking, apple desserts always take center stage. This moist apple spice cake stands out because it blends the richness of a traditional spice cake with the tender texture of a quick bread. The result is a loaf that slices beautifully, holds its shape, and melts in your mouth with every bite.

The cinnamon glaze adds a sweet, spiced finish that elevates the cake from simple to stunning. Instead of a heavy frosting, the glaze lightly coats the top, soaking slightly into the crumb and enhancing both flavor and moisture.

Another reason this apple spice cake with cinnamon glaze is so popular is its versatility. It can be served as breakfast, snack, dessert, or even as a holiday loaf. The warm spice profile pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider, making it a cozy staple during cooler months.

Ingredients

For the Apple Spice Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely chopped apples (peeled)

For the Cinnamon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour in the milk (or buttermilk) and mix until the batter is smooth and slightly creamy.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
12. Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the cooled apple spice cake and let it set before slicing and serving.

Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze

A moist, warmly spiced apple loaf topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze, perfect for cozy fall baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 220

Ingredients

  

Cookie Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp cloves optional
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup apple cider

Filling

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp cream or milk

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
5. Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
6. Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
7. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
8. Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.

Notes

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture and flavor. Let the loaf cool completely before glazing.

The Secret to a Perfectly Moist Apple Spice Cake

The key to achieving a moist apple spice cake loaf lies in the balance of fresh fruit and fat content. Apples naturally release moisture during baking, which keeps the crumb soft and tender. Using brown sugar also contributes to moisture while adding a deep caramel-like flavor that complements the spices beautifully.

Finely chopping the apples ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter, preventing sinking and creating evenly distributed pockets of juicy apple in every slice. This technique guarantees consistent texture and flavor throughout the loaf.

Best Apples to Use for Apple Spice Cake

Choosing the right apples can dramatically improve the flavor and texture of your cake. Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work exceptionally well because they hold their shape during baking and provide a balanced sweetness.

Avoid overly soft apples, as they can become mushy and affect the structure of the loaf. A mix of sweet and tart apples can also create a more complex and layered flavor profile.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

Walnut Apple Spice Cake

Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty depth.

Caramel Apple Spice Loaf

Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for an indulgent bakery-style finish.

Apple Raisin Spice Cake

Mix in 1/3 cup raisins for extra sweetness and a classic autumn twist.

Streusel Topped Apple Loaf

Top the batter with a cinnamon streusel before baking for a crumbly, textured topping.

Serving Suggestions

This fall apple loaf cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Enjoy a warm slice with morning coffee, serve it as a cozy afternoon snack, or present it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For a brunch spread, pair it with fresh fruit, yogurt, and warm beverages for a comforting seasonal menu. During holidays, it also makes a wonderful edible gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep and holiday baking. Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap the fully cooled loaf (unglazed) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving for the freshest taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense loaf instead of a soft and tender crumb. Another mistake is using apples with too much moisture without chopping them properly, which can create soggy sections.

Skipping the cooling step before glazing is also a frequent issue. If the loaf is too warm, the glaze will melt and slide off instead of setting beautifully on top.

Nutritional Benefits of Apple-Based Baking

Apples add natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins to baked goods, making them a healthier alternative to heavily processed desserts. When combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, they create a comforting flavor without requiring excessive sugar or frosting.

Compared to heavily frosted cakes, this cinnamon apple bread recipe offers a lighter yet still indulgent experience that satisfies sweet cravings while maintaining a homemade, wholesome feel.

Final Thoughts

Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze (The Ultimate Fall Loaf) is the perfect blend of cozy flavors, soft texture, and elegant presentation. With its moist crumb, fragrant spices, and delicate cinnamon glaze, it embodies everything that makes fall baking so special.

Easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully versatile, this moist apple spice cake loaf is a must-bake recipe for anyone who loves seasonal desserts. Whether served warm on a chilly morning or shared during festive gatherings, each slice delivers warmth, comfort, and the timeless charm of homemade apple spice baking.