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Perfect Fresh Apple Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

fresh apple cake - featured image

A moist and tender spiced apple cake topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the diced apples. The batter will be thick.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. While the cake is cooling on a wire rack, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until creamy.
  10. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
  11. Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra flair and texture.
  12. Slice and serve your delicious Perfect Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a tender cake.’, ‘Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.’, ‘Ensure eggs, milk, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.’, ‘Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.’, ‘Measure ingredients accurately for the best results.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cake, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, autumn recipe, holiday dessert, easy baking, spiced cake, moist cake, apple dessert