Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups vegetable oil

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar (packed)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 large eggs

4 cups apples (peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks)

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup heavy cream

½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly between each addition. Note that the batter will be quite thick.

Step 5: Using a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold the chopped apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 7: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by combining the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the frosting evenly over the top.

Step 9: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to add depth of flavor.

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the sugar slightly or substitute with maple syrup.

Make sure the apples are cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly throughout the cake.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this cake?

Yes, you can use any apples you prefer. Tart apples like Granny Smith balance well with the sweetness, but combining sweet apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp adds complexity.

Is the frosting necessary?

The frosting adds a deliciously rich and creamy finish that complements the spiced cake, but the cake is still tasty on its own if you prefer to skip the frosting.