This moist spice cake is scented with rich apple butter and crowned with a nutty brown butter frosting. Every bite captures the flavors of fall.
A trip to the apple orchard is the start of autumn for many of us, and at my house it usually means bringing home enough apples to make a few batches of homemade apple butter. This apple butter cake was inspired by that seasonal tradition and showcases that slow-cooked, deeply flavored spread in a simple, crowd-pleasing cake.
This sheet cake is easy to make and packed with apple butter and warm spice. The batter stays moist thanks to oil and a generous amount of apple butter, and grated apple folded in adds fresh texture. Finish it with brown butter frosting for a toasty, caramel-like contrast, or sprinkle with powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter topping.
MOIST APPLE BUTTER CAKE WITH BROWN BUTTER FROSTING
I adapted this cake from a pumpkin bundt base and converted it into a 9×13 sheet cake so it’s easy to slice and share. The result is a tender, spice-forward cake made with 1 1/2 cups of apple butter plus a cup of grated apple for extra moisture and fruit flavor. The brown butter frosting adds a rich, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the apple and spice notes.
This cake works perfectly for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering, and it’s simple enough for an everyday treat. You don’t need a mixer to make the cake — just a few bowls, a whisk, and a spatula.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE BUTTER CAKE
Below are the ingredients and step-by-step method to make this apple butter sheet cake. The full ingredient list and baking instructions are included so you can follow along easily.
Ingredients you’ll need
Gather these ingredients before you begin:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or cinnamon)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups apple butter (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup grated apple (from about 1 large or 2 small peeled apples)
This recipe calls for apple butter rather than applesauce — apple butter is more concentrated and gives the cake a deeper, spiced apple flavor. If you don’t have homemade apple butter, a quality jarred version will work well.
Make the cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
Using a spatula, alternate folding the dry mixture and the apple butter into the wet ingredients: add one-third of the dry ingredients, then half of the apple butter; repeat, ending with the remaining dry ingredients. Fold in the grated apple until evenly distributed. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before spreading brown butter frosting over the top. If you prefer, dust with powdered sugar or use cream cheese or traditional buttercream instead.
MORE SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This cake pairs well with several frostings: brown butter frosting is my favorite for its toasty complexity, but cream cheese frosting, classic buttercream, or whipped cream all work beautifully. For a lighter snack-cake feel, a dusting of powdered sugar is perfectly fine.
FAQS
How should you store apple butter cake?
If the cake is topped with brown butter frosting, buttercream, or powdered sugar, store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you use cream cheese or whipped cream frosting, refrigerate the cake.
Do you have to use homemade apple butter?
No. Store-bought apple butter works well if you don’t have homemade on hand.
Can I substitute applesauce for apple butter in this recipe?
No. Applesauce is much lighter than apple butter and won’t deliver the same depth of flavor. Use apple butter for best results.
I don’t have apple pie spice — what can I use instead?
Pumpkin pie spice or simply ground cinnamon are fine substitutes and will still give the cake a warm, spiced profile.
Can I freeze this apple butter cake?
Yes. Freeze the cake before or after frosting. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn and thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature when ready to serve.
MORE RECIPES USING APPLE BUTTER
Apple butter is versatile beyond baked goods. It makes a great swap for spreads or condiments and works well in savory dishes, sandwiches, and beverages. Try it wherever a concentrated apple flavor and sweetness are welcome.
Enjoy this apple butter cake as a centerpiece for your autumn gatherings or a cozy weeknight dessert — it’s reliably moist, warmly spiced, and full of apple flavor.
Apple Butter Cake
Equipment
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9×13-inch cake pan
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Mixing bowls
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Silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups apple butter
- 1 cup grated apple from about 1 large or 2 small peeled apples
- 1 batch brown butter frosting (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
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Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl.
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In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined.
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Using a spatula, alternate adding the dry ingredients and apple butter: add one-third of the dry mix, then half the apple butter. Repeat and finish with the remaining dry ingredients.
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Fold in the grated apple, spread the batter into the pan, and bake 40–45 minutes, until a tester comes out clean.
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Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.