Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Introduction
This fresh apple cake is a delightful treat, combining tender, spiced apple goodness with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy afternoons or special occasions, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the grated apples and the chopped walnuts if using.
- Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Step 6: To make the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
- Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve to enjoy this irresistible dessert.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, peel the apples before grating. Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or leave nuts out entirely to suit allergies or preferences.
- Add a handful of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for a different twist.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are fully softened before making frosting to avoid lumps.
Storage
Store the apple cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best texture. The cake can also be frozen without frosting for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you like, but tart apples such as Granny Smith or tart Fuji work best to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
Is it okay to make this cake without nuts?
Absolutely. Nuts are optional in this recipe and can be omitted if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free cake. The cake will still be delicious and moist.
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Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made with grated apples and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced and rich, it’s an ideal treat for apple lovers seeking a classic homemade cake with a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the grated apples and optional chopped walnuts to add moisture and texture to the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve for a deliciously moist and creamy dessert experience.
Notes
- Make sure the apples are finely grated to distribute moisture evenly throughout the cake.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple cake, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon apple dessert, homemade apple cake, moist apple cake
