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Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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