apple layer cake with bourbon butterscotch buttercream

Apple Layer Cake with Bourbon Butterscotch Buttercream — this recipe feels especially close to my heart. Hi, I’m Salma, a 32-year-old home cook living in the U.S., and my love for cooking began as simple curiosity. What started as late-night recipe scrolling turned into a lifelong passion. I learned through trial, laughter, and plenty of family taste tests. After attending a small local culinary school, I discovered how creativity and heart make every dish special. This Apple Layer Cake with Bourbon Butterscotch Buttercream reflects that journey—warm, comforting, and made to bring people together around the table.

Serving Versatility

This Apple Layer Cake with Bourbon Butterscotch Buttercream is a showstopper on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other treats. For a decadent finish, serve it with a drizzle of warm caramel or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. You can even enjoy a slice with your morning coffee—yes, cake for breakfast feels absolutely right when apples are involved.

If you’re serving a crowd, turn it into cupcakes or a single-layer sheet cake. The flavor remains incredible, but it’s easier to slice and share. And for those who love a lighter touch, skip the top layer of frosting for a “naked cake” look—it’s rustic, elegant, and lets the apple spice layers shine through.

Ingredients

For the Cake
4 cups all-purpose flour – sturdy structure for tall, tender layers.
2 tsp baking soda – helps the cake rise beautifully.
1 tsp salt – balances sweetness.
2 tsp ground cinnamon – the heart of every apple dessert.
1 tsp ground allspice – adds warmth and depth.
1 tsp ground cloves – brings that cozy, autumn aroma.
1½ cups unsalted butter, cubed and room temp – rich, buttery flavor in every bite.
2½ cups granulated sugar – sweetness that caramelizes slightly as it bakes.
2 large eggs – give the cake lift and structure.
2½ cups unsweetened applesauce – keeps the crumb moist and tender.
1 cup shredded apple – bursts of real fruit flavor throughout.

For the Bourbon Butterscotch Buttercream
9 oz butterscotch sauce – creamy, buttery sweetness with a hint of nostalgia.
½ cup granulated sugar – enhances the caramel tones.
½ cup brown sugar – for a deeper molasses note.
1 cup egg whites – create a light, silky meringue base.
4 sticks unsalted butter, room temp – velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 tbsp vanilla extract – smooths and rounds out the flavor.
2 tbsp bourbon – a grown-up twist with a warming kick.

Tip: Homemade butterscotch sauce makes all the difference—rich, buttery, and just a bit smoky.

Directions syep by step

1️⃣ Prep the pans and preheat.
Set your oven to 325°F. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans, line with parchment, and dust with flour. A little extra prep here ensures the cakes release perfectly later.

2️⃣ Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. This step distributes the spices evenly for that consistent, cozy flavor in every slice.

3️⃣ Cream the butter and sugar.
Using a stand mixer, beat butter until creamy and pale, about 4 minutes. Add sugar and continue mixing until fluffy and light—this creates those airy layers we love.

4️⃣ Add eggs and apples.
Beat in the eggs until just combined. Then, alternate adding the flour mixture and applesauce in three parts, beginning and ending with flour. Gently fold in the shredded apple. You’ll see little flecks of fruit peeking through the golden batter—it’s gorgeous.

5️⃣ Bake the layers.
Divide the batter evenly among pans and smooth the tops. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the scent of apple pie and warm spice—it’s heavenly.

6️⃣ Cool and assemble.
Cool cakes for 20 minutes, then invert onto wire racks. Once completely cooled, trim the tops flat. Layer cake and frosting: cake, frosting, cake, frosting, and one final layer on top. Spread a thin “naked” coat for a rustic look or go full glamour with a thick layer.

7️⃣ Decorate.
Finish with a drizzle of extra butterscotch or a few mini apples on top. The glossy sauce catches the light beautifully, like golden ribbons across the surface.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick to make: Simple ingredients and easy steps come together faster than most layer cakes.
✅ Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples—apples, butter, and sugar—to create something elegant.
✅ Cozy, homemade flavor: Every bite tastes like fall comfort in cake form.
✅ Nutritious twist: Apples and applesauce add natural sweetness and moisture.
✅ Perfect for gatherings: A stunning centerpiece for Thanksgiving or any cozy dinner.
✅ Family-approved: Kids love the sweet apple cake; adults adore the bourbon frosting.

Cultural or Technique Note

This cake borrows inspiration from traditional Southern desserts, where apples, bourbon, and butterscotch often appear together in pies and bread puddings. The method—whipping egg whites into a meringue before adding butter—creates a classic Swiss buttercream, known for its smooth, silky texture that feels luxurious without being overly rich.

Serving Suggestions

• With warm caramel drizzle and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• As a brunch treat with strong coffee or hot cider.
• Layered into dessert jars for parties or picnics.
• Paired with roasted pears or spiced nuts for an elegant twist.

Pro Tips for Success

1️⃣ Always bring ingredients to room temperature for a smoother batter.
2️⃣ Don’t rush the creaming stage—this is where your cake gets its light texture.
3️⃣ Use freshly shredded apples for the best flavor and moisture.
4️⃣ Chill the buttercream slightly before spreading—it’s easier to work with.
5️⃣ For a bolder bourbon flavor, brush a teaspoon onto each cooled cake layer before frosting.
6️⃣ A little sea salt sprinkled on top balances the sweetness perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Overmixing the batter: It can make the cake dense—stop as soon as ingredients are combined.
⚠️ Skipping cooling time: Warm cakes melt the frosting; patience pays off.
⚠️ Using cold butter in frosting: It won’t whip properly—let it soften first.
⚠️ Overbaking: Check early; dry cake loses that luscious apple tenderness.
⚠️ Not tasting the frosting: Adjust bourbon or salt to your liking before spreading.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it come to room temperature naturally. If you must reheat, do so gently—just a few seconds in the microwave on low—to bring back that soft, buttery texture without melting the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple butter instead of applesauce?
Yes! It adds a deeper, spicier apple flavor—just reduce the sugar slightly.

Can I make this without bourbon?
Absolutely. Substitute extra vanilla or a splash of maple extract for a warm, alcohol-free version.

What if I don’t have three cake pans?
You can bake the layers in batches or make two thicker layers and slice them in half once cooled.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
A mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose works great for a heartier, more rustic texture.

Can I make this ahead?
Definitely—bake the cakes a day early, wrap tightly, and frost the next day for best results.

Closing Paragraph

Cooking isn’t just about dessert—it’s about memory. This Apple Layer Cake with Bourbon Butterscotch Buttercream brings warmth to any table, filling your home with the scent of cinnamon and caramel. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or just because it’s Sunday, it’s a little reminder that simple, homemade food can feel like pure joy.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make this cake, I’m reminded that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s not about perfection—it’s about love, patience, and a sprinkle of joy stirred into every bowl. I hope this Apple Layer Cake with Bourbon Butterscotch Buttercream brings that same cozy comfort to your kitchen.