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Caramelized Apple Spice Cake with Brie Icing & Sugared Pecans

Updated On: Oct 26, 2023

This Caramelize Apple Spice Cake with Brie Icing is so delectable! Caramelizing the apples really lends a beautiful taste to an ordinary apple cake and the brie icing really drives this thing over the edge with a tangy sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with the spiced cake. Add some crunch with sugared pecans and this cake will be a show stopper.

caramelized apple spice cake

I had the opportunity to buy a giant box of Honey Crisp apples the other day for a super cheap price.  The great part of buying a giant box of Honey Crisps is that you now own Apple-Gold, the bad part….you have a GIANT box of apples and need to do something with them quickly before they spoil.  So, I decided I was going to make an Apple Spice Cake.

Being a food blogger brings perks.  Perks like the giant wedge of Brie I received last week from Ile de France Cheese.  These perks can sometimes end up in your hands too.  Like today for instance.  Today I’ll be starting a giveaway for 5, yes 5, baskets of assorted cheeses from the nice people at Ile de France.  Let me just say that the brie will knock your socks off.  It’s creamy and mild and delicious.  While making the icing, I sampled – a lot.

caramelized apple cake ingredients

Start by caramelizing some apples in butter, sugar, apple cider and vanilla bean.  I used Honey Crisps, but you could use Granny Smiths or Gala’s as well.

caramelized apple spice cake process to make

You are going for very golden brown.  The picture above wasn’t doctored.  They started out pale and turned a beautiful golden brown.  This takes about 20 minutes of low and slow.  You want all of the cider to be evaporated.  That’s when you know it’s time to turn off the heat.  Let the apples cool while you prepare the cake batter.

how to make an apple spice cake

Butter and flour 2 9-inch cake pans and set the aside.  Mix the dry ingredients together with a whisk.  Reserve 1/4 cup of flour and set both aside.  Crack your eggs in a bowl for easier addition while making the batter.

ingredients for an apple spice cake

2 sticks of butter plus white sugar and brown sugar = YUM!  Beat the butter and sugars really well until light and fluffy, about 10 minutes.  Alternate the spiced flour mixture with the sour cream and end by adding 1/4 cup of the reserved spiced flour.  Add in the cooled caramelized apples and mix gently to combine.

baking an apple spice cake

Divide evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.  Test center with a toothpick to ensure doneness and remove to a rack to cool.  Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto the racks.  Cool completely before icing.

how to make brie icing or frosting for a cake

For the Brie Icing: add the cream cheese, butter, and brie (eat several bites of the brie off a knife) and beat well to combine.  Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine.  Add the powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy.  Ice the cooled cakes and top with sugared pecans.

apple spice cake with brie frosting

Caramelized Apple Spice Cake with Brie Icing & Sugared Pecans

Servings 12 Servings
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Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 ½ sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 vanilla bean halved
  • 4 cups apples peeled, cored and diced small
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ cup dark-brown sugar packed
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream

Brie Icing & Sugared Pecans

  • 8 oz brie cheese rinds removed
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 cups powdered sugar sifted, plus more if needed
  • 1 cup pecans raw, unsalted, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions
 

Cake Instructions

  • Put 1/2 stick butter into a large saucepan. Using a paring knife, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the saucepan and add the pod. Cook over medium heat until the butter is lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add the apples, cider and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Raise the heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook until apples are golden and translucent and the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Discard the pod and let cool.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans (or 8-inch if you don’t have 9’s). Dust with flour and tap out the excess. Set aside. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Reserve 1/4 cup of spiced flour mixture. Set all aside.
  • Beat remaining 2 sticks of butter, remaining 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and the brown sugar with a mixer on medium-high until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce to low and alternate the flour and sour cream in 2 batches each. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and caramelized apples and fold gently to combine.
  • Divide batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake until tops are dark golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Run a knife around the edges and turn cakes out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely.

Brie Icing & Sugared Pecans

  • In a medium bowl add the brie, cream cheese and butter and beat with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Add 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar and mix to combine until light and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
  • In a small skillet, add the pecans and toast over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir quickly to coat. Turn out onto a piece of parchment paper and let cool completely.

Assembly

  • Place one layer of cake on a cake pedestal or plate. Top with 1/2 of the Brie icing and using an offset spatula, spread all the way to the edge. Place in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the freezer and top with the second layer of cake. Top with the remaining icing and spread evenly over the top. Top with the sugared pecans and serve.

Notes

Cake recipe adapted from here

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.01g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 6mg | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 591IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.01mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram!

Recipe By:

Heather is a recipe developer and content creator living in Vancouver, Washington. She started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006, almost 20 years ago, as a way to share recipes with friends and family. Heather is also the co-founder of Spiceology , a unique spice company, which she started in 2013. She shares family friendly recipes for easy everyday meals with a gourmet twist.

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  1. Pingback: Butternut Squash Olive Oil Cake with Clementine Glaze - Winner Announced | Farmgirl Gourmet
  2. brie frosting? YUM!

  3. How to Make Vanilla Extract says:

    Love all these!! looks very delicious..

  4. Farmgirl Gourmet says:

    CONTEST HAS ENDED!!!

  5. BayviewBob says:

    brie icing sounds good!
    Cheese Please!

  6. Donna Currie says:

    Like you on FB, too, of course!

  7. Donna Currie says:

    Like you (so much) on twitter.

  8. Donna Currie says:

    Follow IDF on Twitter

  9. Donna Currie says:

    Following IDF on FB.

  10. Donna Currie says:

    Uh, the recipe involves a knife. Maybe. Fingers work when you’ve no other choice.

  11. And I’m already following you on Twitter!
    rachellconners [at] yahoo [dot] com

  12. Liked Farmgirl Gourmet on FB
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  13. Following Ile De France Cheese on Twitter!
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  14. “Liked” Ile De France Cheese on FB!
    My FB name is Rachel Conners
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  15. Rachel @ Bakerita says:

    Straight up Brie is my favorite. A simple water cracker is sufficient. I love me some brie!
    rachellconners@yahoo.com

  16. Like Farmgirl Gourmet on Twitter (LuckyDuckyToo)

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  17. Like Ile de France on Twitter (LuckyDuckyToo)

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  18. Like Farmgirl Gourmet on Facebook(Mari Doug)

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  19. Like Ile de France on Facebook (Mari Doug)

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  20. I like baked brie. I roll out puffed pastry, put brie in the middle and layer with jam, and brown sugar. Then I roll it up, bake it, and serve with fruit or bread. Simple but delicious.

    runningmatey at hotmail dot com

  21. Annnnd…. I like Ile De France on FB as well!

  22. I’ve liked Farmgirl Gourmet on FB. 🙂

  23. Oooooh – I like Brie en Croute! Shameless!

  24. So boring but I love Brie with apricot preserves on wheat thins!
    Raquell77@aol.com

  25. groovyfoody says:

    Brie frosting sounds amazing! My fav for brie is just simply topping a crisp apple or pear or paired with gorgonzola in an extra creamy sauce to top steak frites.

  26. susitravl says:

    Reading all of these comments makes me want to get in the kitchen and bake some brie with caramel & pecans, your cake, brie with cranberries….they all sound so good!! The only way I’ve ever eaten brie was just baked.

    susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com

  27. jerseygirl137 says:

    Liked/Following Farmgirl Gourmet on Twitter as @jerseygirl137

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  28. jerseygirl137 says:

    Liked Farmgirl Gourmet on Facebook as Sharon Rooney

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  29. jerseygirl137 says:

    Following/Liked Ile de France on Twitter as @jerseygirl137

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  30. jerseygirl137 says:

    Liked Ile de France on Facebook as Sharon Rooney

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  31. jerseygirl137 says:

    My favorite is Baked Brie topped with brown sugar and Pecans, I also use a little brandy. Served with apples and pears.

    jerseygirl137(at)yahoo(dot)com

  32. My blog FB page (Another Marvelous Meal) likes your blog FB page!

  33. I follow you on twitter (@marvelousmeal).

  34. Your cake looks dangerously good!

    How about steamed artichokes with a brie dipping sauce?

  35. Cookbook Fetish says:

    My favorite way to eat brie? Remove the skin, cube, mix with spices, place in bread bowl & bake.

  36. Barbara | Creative Culinary says:

    Your cake look fabulous…I’ve not used brie for a frosting…but I will soon!

    I love to cover brie with either jam or a brown sugar/nut combo, wrap it in puff pastry and bake it. Perfect party appetizer and so easy too.

  37. nursebecky says:

    I like Farmgirl Gourmet on Facebook!

  38. nursebecky says:

    I liked Ile de France on Facebook

  39. nursebecky says:

    I love brie with slivered almonds, drizzled in honey, served slightly warm. Yum!

  40. Tanya - Three Square Meals says:

    I love brie just about any way…smothered with raspberries and walnuts, in an apple and brie grilled cheese, and now I am going to have to try Brie cake frosting. I am scared and tempted all at the same time! Thanks!

  41. I have been your friend on FB for months:)

  42. Awwww, of course I have been following you on Twitter forever and ever!

  43. I have “liked” IDF on FB for months.

  44. I have been following IDF on Twitter for quite some time.

  45. I like brie just by itself, like Parmigiano Reggiano, but I don’t mind it wrapped in filo dough and baked until you get a wonderful combination of creamy, hot, and crispy.

  46. Renae Meredith says:

    I love Brie best with butter on crusty baguette. A lovely and simple sandwich.

  47. Renae Meredith says:

    I “Like” Ile de France Cheese on Facebook.

  48. Renae Meredith says:

    I follow @IDFCheese on Twitter.

  49. Renae Meredith says:

    I “Like” Farmgirl Gourmet on Facebook.

  50. Renae Meredith says:

    I follow you on Twitter as @Leavenworthy

  51. Autumn Leaves says:

    Sounds lovely.

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    I stalk ahem, follow you, on Twitter

  53. Nelly Rodriguez says:

    LOVE you on Facebook!

  54. Nelly Rodriguez says:

    Follow IDF on Twitter

  55. Nelly Rodriguez says:

    Like Ile de France on Facebook

  56. Nelly Rodriguez says:

    Fave dish? Brie wrapped in Phyllo with fruit preserves!

  57. Diane M. says:

    I like Farmgirl Gourmet on Facebook. Thanks for the cheesy giveaway 🙂

  58. Diane M. says:

    I follow IDFCheese on twitter.

  59. Diane M. says:

    I like Ile de France on Facebook.

  60. Diane M. says:

    I follow you on twitter as cobblehillgal

  61. Diane M. says:

    Apple slices topped with brie are my fav!

  62. Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says:

    so fabulous!!!

  63. Like Ile de France on Facebook

  64. Like you on Facebook

  65. I love brie straight out of the package, even better with fresh fruit! But I’ll take it any way I can get it! YUM!

  66. The Coach's Wife says:

    i follow you on twitter! =)

  67. The Coach's Wife says:

    brie icing?!?! i just died. how incredibly perfect is that?!?!!? i MUST try this.

    my fav brie dish is simply a wheel covered in dried fruit that’s macerated in grand mariner a bit and baked off in the oven. yummmmmm!

  68. Yummy Mummy says:

    Brie icing?! Are you kidding me?! That sounds amazing. Whey the heck haven’t I done this before. Thanks for sharing!

  69. Shelly Murney says:

    I dig Brie! Now that I’m not pregnant I can have it. Favorite recipe? How about warm Brie with sauteed apples.

  70. Anonymous says:

    I liked Ile de France!
    Jen Hamilton

  71. Anonymous says:

    Warm brie with huckleberry sauce, yum!
    Jen Hamilton

  72. Ditto with Dara…this is the cake of my dreams too!

  73. Anonymous says:

    I like Ile de France Cheese on Facebook.
    Katie Barnett
    Kalispell, Montana

  74. Wow, what awesome pictures you take, really love seeing the different stages of the recipe. Can’t wait to make it. Brie in the frosting sounds so yummy!

  75. Anonymous says:

    I like Farm Girl Gourmet on facebook.
    Katie Barnett
    Kalispell, Montana

  76. I follow Ile de France on FB.

  77. Anonymous says:

    I love to take a wheel of brie, smother it in homemade cranberry sauce (made with whole berries), and wrap it in filo dough, then bake it until the outside is crusty and the inside is all melty goodness. This is my all time favorite Thanksgiving recipe.
    Katie Barnett
    Kalispell, Montana

  78. I follow you on FB!

  79. I love baked brie w/ cranberries and then smothered on triscuits:)Never thought to bake with it!

  80. Rachel Blom says:

    This cake looks super delicious.
    My favorite brie dish is an appetizer a friend made. It was like a giant crescent filled with melted Brie cheese and hot fruit preserves.

  81. I Follow Ile de France on Twitter…
    Happy Brie Days!!!

  82. I Follow Ile de France on Facebook

  83. I follow you on Twitter

  84. I follow you on Facebook

  85. Brie Frosting?? Oh how yummy… I love cheeses!
    My favorite is brie baked with Amaretto.. I’ll eat it all!

  86. Krista {Budget Gourmet Mom} says:

    Swoon! I will be dreaming about that cake for a long time. Brie is honestly one of favorite cheeses…ever! I would love to make a version of mac n cheese with it!

  87. Rachel Blom says:

    I like Ile de France on Facebook.

  88. Cookin' Canuck says:

    This is the cake of my dreams. Sweet and savory, plus topped off by my all-time favorite cheese (love Brie and love Ile de France even more). What a creative recipe!

  89. Rachel Blom says:

    I like Farmgirl Gourmet on Facebook 🙂

  90. Wanna Be A Country Cleaver says:

    Follow Ile de France on Twitter as well!

  91. Wanna Be A Country Cleaver says:

    Follow Ile de France on Facebook.

  92. Wanna Be A Country Cleaver says:

    I follow you on Facebook.

  93. Wanna Be A Country Cleaver says:

    I like you on Twitter

  94. Wanna Be A Country Cleaver says:

    Oh holy crap, I think I just peed myself in excitement. Brie frosting? I bow down to you.

    My favorite dish with brie? Baked brie with carmel/pecan topping. I can’t contain myself, I could eat the whole wheel.
    ~Megan Pence

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