Old-Fashioned Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting: A Hug in a Pan

There are some recipes that, at first glance, might not win any beauty contests. This apple cake from King Arthur Baking is one of them. Yet, in my years behind the stoves and in front of my trusty laptop, I’ve learned that the most unassuming dishes often hold the greatest treasures. I remember making this for the first time on a blustery autumn evening, the kind where the wind rattles the windows and the scent of woodsmoke hangs in the air. The batter was undeniably stiff, a little shy, almost as if it were contemplating its purpose. But as it baked, a magical transformation occurred, filling my kitchen with the comforting aroma of spiced apples and caramelized sugar. And that frosting… oh, that frosting. It’s less a delicate glaze and more a warm, brown sugar embrace that sinks ever so slightly into the still-warm cake, creating a flavor combination that is, quite simply, pure comfort.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 24
• Yield: 1 cake
• Dietary Type: Contains Gluten, Dairy, Eggs

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (or 2 1/3 cups King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour)
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups peeled, peeled, cored, chopped apple (about 1 1/3 pounds whole apples)
• 1 cup diced toasted walnuts (or 1 cup pecans)

For the Frosting:

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• 9″ x 13″ baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Cake tester or toothpick
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Next, grease and flour a 9″ x 13″ baking pan. This crucial step ensures your beautiful cake won’t cling to the pan.
2. To begin crafting the cake itself, combine all the cake ingredients except for the apples and nuts in a large mixing bowl. This includes the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, apple pie spice, eggs, and softened butter.
3. Beat these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. You’ll notice the mixture will become quite stiff, and it might even appear somewhat crumbly at this stage. Don’t be alarmed; this is precisely what we’re aiming for.
4. Now, it’s time to introduce the stars of the show: the apples and nuts. Add the chopped apples and diced toasted walnuts (or pecans) to the stiff mixture. Continue to mix until the apples begin to release some of their natural juices, and the stiff mixture transforms into a thick batter. The consistency should fall somewhere between a rich cookie dough and a fudgy brownie batter – delightfully substantial.
5. Carefully spread this thick batter into your prepared baking pan. For an even surface, you can dampen your fingers with a little water and smooth the top of the batter.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If it still appears wet, give it a few more minutes and test again.
7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Place the pan on a wire cooling rack to cool completely. It’s important to leave the cake in the pan while it cools.
8. While the cake is cooling, let’s turn our attention to the delectable frosting. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
9. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar and salt. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar has fully melted and is well incorporated with the butter.
10. Now, add the milk to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, pour this hot caramel-like mixture into a mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes. This brief cooling period is crucial for the frosting’s texture.
11. After the 10 minutes have passed, stir in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture well until it is smooth and luscious. If, by chance, the frosting appears too thin for your liking, you can add more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
12. Finally, spread this warm, glorious frosting over the completely cooled cake. The residual warmth from the cake will allow the frosting to sink in ever so slightly, creating an irresistible layer of brown sugar fudge.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even distribution of apples, especially if you’re using a variety that tends to hold its shape, you can toss the chopped apples with a tablespoon of the measured flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them cling to the batter and prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Toasting your walnuts or pecans beforehand significantly enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Old-Fashioned Apple Cake is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully meld. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or, as the original recipe suggests, a cold glass of milk. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes this cake truly spectacular.

Leftovers can be stored at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. If you live in a warmer climate or plan to store it for longer, it’s best to refrigerate it. The cake will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy it chilled.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	279.3 kcal
Calories from Fat	99 kcal
Total Fat	11 g	16%
Saturated Fat	5.1 g	25%
Cholesterol	34.9 mg	11%
Sodium	212.6 mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	44.1 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
Sugars	33.2 g	132%
Protein	2.7 g	5%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe calls for specific types of apples, feel free to experiment with your favorites! A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, can add wonderful depth. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can simply omit them, or substitute with a sprinkle of oats for a different texture. For a gluten-free version, you could try using a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

FAQs

Q: Why is the cake batter so stiff initially?
A: The stiff batter is intentional. As the apples bake and release their moisture, they help to create a wonderfully moist and dense cake texture, preventing it from becoming dry.

Q: Can I use different spices if I don’t have apple pie spice?
A: Absolutely! The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg is a classic for a reason, but feel free to adjust to your preference. A pinch of cardamom or cloves could also be a lovely addition.

Q: My frosting seems too thin. What should I do?
A: Don’t worry! If your frosting is too thin, simply whisk in more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired spreading consistency.

Q: How can I ensure my apples are evenly distributed?
A: Tossing the chopped apples with a tablespoon of the measured flour before adding them to the batter helps to coat them and prevent them from settling at the bottom during baking.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake and let it cool completely. Store it unfrosted at room temperature, then prepare and frost the cake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most comforting flavors come from the simplest ingredients and straightforward techniques. It’s the kind of cake that wraps you in a warm embrace, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a cozy afternoon or as a sweet ending to any meal. I encourage you to bake it, savor it, and perhaps even create your own memories with this truly delightful recipe. Happy baking!