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Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 475 reviews
  • Author: Andria
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This irresistible Fresh Apple Cake features moist, tender cake layers filled with grated apples and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a dreamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle crunch from optional walnuts, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion.

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 and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.
  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, which helps create a tender cake texture.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mix, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.
  5. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until all ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake moist and tender.
  6. Fold in apples and walnuts: Carefully fold the grated apples and optional chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly without deflating the mixture.
  7. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
  8. Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  9. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into pieces and serve. Enjoy your moist apple cake with its luscious frosting!

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts entirely.
  • Grate fresh apples and drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy cake.
  • Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh.
  • The cake can be made a day ahead; frost just before serving for best texture.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans or leave out nuts if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cake, cream cheese frosting, baked apple dessert, autumn dessert, moist apple cake

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Find it online: https://cookwithandria.com/irresistible-fresh-apple-cake-with-dreamy-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/