Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze (The Ultimate Fall Loaf)
When the air turns crisp and apples are at their peak, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm slice of Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze. This is the ultimate fall loaf — soft, moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze that melts into every bite.
Loaded with tender apple chunks and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake captures everything we love about autumn baking. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for gatherings, brunches, and holiday tables.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect apple spice cake loaf, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Spice Cake
1. Incredibly Moist Texture
Fresh apples release natural juices as they bake, keeping the crumb tender and soft.
2. Perfectly Balanced Spice
Warm cinnamon and nutmeg add depth without overpowering the fresh apple flavor.
3. Simple Cinnamon Glaze
A smooth, lightly sweet glaze adds the finishing touch, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
4. Easy One-Bowl Batter
No complicated techniques — this fall apple loaf recipe comes together easily.
Ingredients
For the Apple Spice Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
For the Cinnamon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well. - Combine Batter
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir until just combined. - Fold in Apples
Gently fold in diced apples until evenly distributed. - Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool
Let cake cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed. - Glaze & Serve
Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf. Let set before slicing.
Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze (The Ultimate Fall Loaf)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare loaf pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients together.
- Mix wet ingredients until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Fold in apples and transfer to pan.
- Bake 50–60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely and drizzle with cinnamon glaze.
Notes
Tips for the Best Moist Apple Spice Bread
Choose the Right Apples
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best texture.
Dice Evenly
Uniform apple pieces ensure even baking.
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can make the cake dense. Stir until ingredients are just combined.
Cool Before Glazing
Applying glaze to a warm loaf will cause it to melt too quickly.
Flavor Variations
Add Crunch
- Chopped walnuts
- Pecans
Extra Spice
- Add cloves or allspice
- Increase cinnamon slightly
Caramel Drizzle
Swap cinnamon glaze for a light caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Replace milk with softened cream cheese for a richer topping.
Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon apple quick bread pairs beautifully with:
- A warm cup of coffee
- Spiced chai tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
It’s ideal for brunch tables, holiday gatherings, or afternoon treats.
Storage & Freezing
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration
Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?
You can replace part of the diced apples with applesauce, but keeping chunks gives better texture.
Why is my loaf dense?
Most likely overmixing or using too much flour.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes. Divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake 18–22 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of brown sugar and apples creates natural moisture, while warm spices enhance depth of flavor. The cinnamon glaze adds sweetness without overwhelming the loaf.
This apple cinnamon glaze cake captures everything cozy about fall baking — soft texture, rich aroma, and comforting warmth.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze (The Ultimate Fall Loaf) is moist, warmly spiced, and beautifully simple. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, brunch, or just a cozy afternoon at home, this loaf delivers classic fall flavor in every slice.
Bake it once, and it may just become your go-to fall apple loaf recipe.
