This Soft Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Fudge Frosting is the definition of cozy baking. The tender apple-packed cake stays moist for days, while the creamy brown sugar fudge frosting adds deep caramel flavor that takes this dessert over the top. Perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime comfort baking.
⏱ Prep Time
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
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Cooling Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
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Servings: 12 slices
🍳 Equipment
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer or whisk
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Saucepan
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Spatula
🥘 Ingredients
Apple Cake
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
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¼ cup milk or applesauce
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2 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Brown Sugar Fudge Frosting
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½ cup unsalted butter
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1 cup brown sugar
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¼ cup milk
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2½ cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
📝 Ingredient Notes
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Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
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Oil: Keeps the cake extra moist.
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Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar gives deeper flavor in frosting.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease baking pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine
Stir dry ingredients into wet just until combined.
Fold in chopped apples.
5. Bake
Pour batter into pan.
Bake 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
🍯 Frosting Instructions
6. Cook fudge frosting
In saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat.
Stir constantly for 2 minutes.
7. Add milk
Stir in milk and bring to a gentle boil.
Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.
8. Finish frosting
Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
9. Frost
Spread warm frosting over warm cake for best texture.
📊 Nutrition (Approx per slice)
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Calories: 460
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Protein: 4g
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Carbs: 62g
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Fat: 22g
⭐ Tips & Variations
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Nutty: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
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Extra apple flavor: Add ½ tsp apple pie spice.
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Layer cake: Bake in two 9-inch pans.
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No frosting: Dust with powdered sugar for a lighter dessert.
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Storage: Keeps moist up to 4 days covered.
