There’s nothing quite like this Apple Spice Cake with Apple Pie Filling recipe to celebrate the flavors of the season. This spiced apple cake combines cinnamon and allspice with tender cake layers and creamy frosting, creating a dessert your whole family will love.

Baking this apple spice cake is easier than it looks. With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that tastes like it came from a bakery. The combination of apple puree, apple pie filling, and cream cheese frosting makes each bite rich and comforting.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this spiced apple cake is a perfect choice. The layers are soft, the frosting is smooth, and the apple flavor shines in every slice.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for simple ingredients, which can be found in any grocery store.

Large eggs: Bring structure and richness to the cake
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the warm spices
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor
Apple puree: Provides natural sweetness and tender texture
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without altering flavor
Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice essential for fall desserts
Allspice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving depth to the spiced apple cake
Vanilla extract: Enhances the apple flavor and spices
All-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s structure
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise evenly
Baking soda: Provides additional leavening and browning
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors
Apple pie filling: Adds a layer of soft, sweet apple pieces
Cream cheese: Creates a rich, creamy frosting
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and stability to the frosting
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting
Lemon juice: Brightens flavors and balances sweetness

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Add-Ons & Substitutions

There are several ways to customize this apple spice cake for your tastes or dietary needs.

Substitute honeycrisp or Gala apples in homemade apple pie filling for a different apple texture
Add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the batter for an extra-moist cake
Swap part of the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle nutty flavor
Sprinkle caramelized walnuts or pecans on the top of the cake for added crunch
If you don’t feel like using cream cheese, take a look at my Goat Cheese Frosting, which will pair amazingly with this cake and will take it to a whole new level.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake with Apple Pie Filling

Apple Spice Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your three 8-inch cake pans with oil and flour, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple puree, vegetable oil, cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing just until no flour streaks remain.

Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30–40 minutes, checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick -it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and flip each onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, beat the butter and vanilla extract on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Add the cream cheese and lemon juice, mixing just until combined.

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

To assemble, level the cake layers if needed.

Place the first layer on your cake stand, spread a thin layer of frosting, then pipe a small frosting border around the edges.

Spoon half of the apple pie filling inside the border. Repeat with the second layer and the remaining apple pie filling, then top with the final layer.

Crumb-coat the cake with a thin layer of frosting and chill for 30 minutes. Finish frosting the entire cake and decorate with caramel sauce and apple slices.

Expert Tips

Make sure your eggs and other dairy are at room temperature for even mixing
Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the cake tender and moist
Use a serrated knife to level domed cake layers for stable stacking
Chill the crumb coat before final frosting to avoid mixing crumbs into your frosting
“Warm” spices like cinnamon and allspice really shine when added to wet ingredients first

Frequently Asked Questions

What spices are in apple cake?

Apple cake typically includes cinnamon and allspice. Allspice combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, adding warm depth.

Why is my apple cake soggy?

Too much moisture in the batter or underbaking can make the cake soggy. Ensure proper measurements and bake fully.

Why is my apple cake dry?

Too much flour or overbaking can dry the cake. Measure dry ingredients carefully and watch bake time closely.

Can I use a different apple for the pie filling?

Yes! Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work well for varying sweetness and texture.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the layers and frost the cake up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes! You can freeze unfrosted cake layers — wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
You can also freeze the frosted cake; just make sure it doesn’t have any fresh fruit on top. Freeze uncovered for 1 hour to set the frosting, then wrap well before storing.

Why should I let my cakes cool slightly before trying to remove them from the pans?

Allowing the cakes to cool slightly helps them firm up, so they’re less likely to break or crumble when you take them out. Cooling also gives the cake a chance to shrink a bit from the sides of the pan, which makes it easier to release.

After resting, run a knife around the edges, then gently flip each cake onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or assembling.

Take a look at the links below for more fall dessert recipes, or click this link to find more new favorite cake recipes to try out!