Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream is a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of apples and spices with the richness of buttercream. This cake is not only simple to make but also incredibly tasty, making it perfect for busy days when you want to indulge your sweet tooth. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream will be a hit!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Why Make Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream is a wonderful treat that brings the flavors of fall to your table year-round. The cake is moist and filled with the sweetness of apple butter, while the brown sugar buttercream adds a creamy, decadent finish. This dessert is versatile; you can enjoy it as is, or dress it up with toppings like chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel. Plus, apple butter can be a healthier alternative to traditional oils or fats, making this cake a smarter choice for dessert.
How to Make Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream Step by Step
Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup apple butter
1/2 cup milk or half and half
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp molasses
4 Tbsp heavy cream
Directions
For the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
 - In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
 - Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
 - Mix in the apple butter and milk until well combined.
 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
 
For the buttercream:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
 - Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
 - Mix in the salt, molasses, and heavy cream until well combined.
 - If the buttercream is too thick, add a bit more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
 

How to Serve Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the flavors even more.
How to Store Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
To store your Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to reheat individual slices, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For longer storage, consider freezing slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Expert Tips for Cooking Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
- Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature for the best creaming results.
 - Don’t overmix the batter to keep your cake light and fluffy.
 - Use high-quality apple butter for the best flavor.
 - Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your buttercream.
 - Let your cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
 
Delicious Variations of Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
For a spicy twist, add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. If you prefer a citrusy note, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cake mix. You can also try incorporating different spices like ginger or cloves for a unique flavor profile.
Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream is a must-try that you’ll want to make again and again. The combination of flavors is irresistible, and its ease of preparation makes it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just looking to brighten your day, this cake will not disappoint!

Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
Ingredients
For the cake
- 3 cups all purpose flour
 - 1 Tbsp baking powder
 - 1/2 tsp salt
 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
 - 1 cup brown sugar
 - 4 large eggs
 - 1 cup apple butter
 - 1/2 cup milk or half and half
 
For the buttercream
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (3 sticks)
 - 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
 - 1/4 tsp salt
 - 3 Tbsp molasses
 - 4 Tbsp heavy cream
 
Instructions
For the cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
 - In another bowl, cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
 - Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
 - Mix in the apple butter and milk until well combined.
 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
 - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
 
For the buttercream
- In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy.
 - Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
 - Mix in the salt, molasses, and heavy cream until well combined.
 - If the buttercream is too thick, add a bit more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
 
