Recipe for Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake from Dairy Farmers of Ontario

Dairy Farmers of Ontario brings cozy baking vibes with this Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake, packed with warm spices and tender apple flavour. Moist and fragrant, it’s topped with a creamy buttercream and finished with sweet, caramelized apples. It’s the perfect comforting dessert for fall—or anytime you’re craving something warmly spiced and indulgent.

Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake

Ingredients:

Base Batter

• 3 ¼ cups (405 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 3 tsp (15 g) baking powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda
• ½ cup (125 mL) butter
• 2 cups (475 mL) unsweetened applesauce
• ¾ cup (180 mL) whole milk
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract

Spices & Seasoning

• 2 tsp (5 g) cinnamon
• 2 tsp (5 g) ginger
• ½ tsp (1.25 g) nutmeg
• ½ tsp (3 g) salt

Caramelized Apples

• 2 apples, cubed
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp (2.5 g) cinnamon
• Pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)

Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (250 mL) butter, room temperature
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (115 g) cream cheese
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp (15 mL) milk

Directions:

Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan (or two 8-inch rounds).

Mix the Batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in batches, mixing on low speed.
4. Add applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract, blending until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake

1. Pour batter into the greased pan. Bake 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Caramelize the Apples

1. While the cake is baking, in a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook 5–7 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Let cool slightly.

Make the Frosting

1. Beat 1 cup butter and ½ cup cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk as needed until fluffy and spreadable.

Assemble

1. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Spoon caramelized apples on top (or drizzle with caramel if desired).
2. Chill for 20 minutes to set before slicing.