Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

This fresh apple cake is a delightful treat combining soft, spiced cake with juicy grated apples. Topped with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your family and friends.

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
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prepare it for the batter.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the grated apples and chopped walnuts if using.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
7. Step 7: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into pieces and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity in the cake.
• Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor before folding them into the batter.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients for a deeper warming spice profile.

Storage

Store the apple cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh. Before serving, bring it to room temperature for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw completely 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 prefer. Firmer, tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness, but sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala will also yield a delicious result.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 109 reviews

This Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake combines tender, moist cake infused with cinnamon and fresh grated apples, perfectly complemented by a dreamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. It’s a delightful dessert that balances sweetness and spice, ideal for gatherings or a cozy treat.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake 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)

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well blended.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This ensures a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and tough cake.
6. Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the grated apples and, if using, chopped walnuts to evenly distribute without breaking down the batter.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
9. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve to enjoy this delicious dessert.

Notes

• Make sure apples are well grated to keep the cake moist.
• Chilling the frosting slightly before spreading can make it easier to work with in warm conditions.
• Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.

Keywords: apple cake, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon apple cake, dessert recipes, moist apple cake, homemade cake, walnut apple cake