Spiced Apple Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting

Apple Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting – Moist apple cake layered with creamy peanut butter frosting and finished with chocolate sprinkles and fresh apple slices. A cozy dessert for autumn gatherings.

Cake

• 3 cups grated apples
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting & Garnish

• 2 cups butter, room temperature
• 1 1/3 cups smooth peanut butter
• 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Chocolate sprinkles, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (warmed slightly), for drizzling
• 1 apple, sliced into 8 pieces for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apple slices from browning)

Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray four 8-inch cake pans with non-stick spray and dust each with a tablespoon of flour, tapping out the excess.
2. Grate about 8–9 small green apples to yield 3 cups of grated apple. Do not drain the juices; add them to the batter.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the sugars are moistened.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla.
6. Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined.
7. Fold in the grated apples and any accumulated juice until evenly distributed.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the four pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake for about 30–33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs or clean. If batter remains, bake a little longer and check again.
10. Remove cakes from pans and cool completely on wire racks before assembling.

Frosting & Assembly

1. In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and peanut butter together on medium until smooth and combined.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Increase the speed and beat for an additional two minutes to create a light, fluffy frosting.
3. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of peanut butter frosting.
4. Repeat with the remaining layers, spreading frosting between each layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
5. Press chocolate sprinkles around the bottom edge of the cake for decoration.
6. Spoon about 3/4 cup of frosting into a disposable piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe eight swirls on the top of the cake.
7. Warm the 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds until fluid, stir, and drizzle over the top of the cake.
8. Toss the apple slices with the lemon juice to prevent browning, then arrange one slice skin-side up on each piped mound.
9. Slice and serve.