Whenever autumn rolls around, I find myself reaching for this delightfully cozy Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that instantly fills the kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples—like a big, comforting hug on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made it, friends couldn’t stop asking for seconds, and honestly, I never minded sharing. It’s that kind of recipe that brings people together, whether for a weekend brunch or a casual coffee catch-up.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

Flavor Harmony: The blend of tart apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet cream cheese frosting makes every bite perfectly balanced.
Easy Assembly: Simple mixing steps mean you don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this cake.
Texture Play: Moist cake with soft grated apple and a slight crunch from optional walnuts keeps it interesting.
Showstopper Finish: That luscious cream cheese frosting is the cherry on top, creamy and just sweet enough.

What I really love about this Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t have to fuss with complicated techniques or rare ingredients—just simple, wholesome stuff you probably already have. I’ll walk you through each step so you’ll have that gorgeous cake ready to impress, even if it’s your first time baking something like this.

Gather Your Ingredients

A slice of layered cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. The cake has three layers: the bottom and top layers are a brown, crumbly cake with visible bits of nuts or fruit, and the middle layer is a creamy filling with a light beige color and soft texture. The top of the cake is covered with thick, smooth off-white frosting which is piped in soft curls along the edge. The sunlight highlights the textures and colors, making the cake look moist and rich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Measuring your ingredients as accurately as possible really helps with achieving that perfect texture and taste. Don’t worry — the full, exact list with measurements is available in the recipe card at the bottom.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure; spoon and level for tender crumb.
Baking soda: Gives the cake lift — make sure it’s fresh for a good rise.
Salt: Accentuates all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the apple perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Use softened for easy mixing and rich flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with texture.
Eggs: Bind everything together; room temperature works best.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavor — pure extract really makes a difference.
Grated apples: The star fresh ingredient—adds moisture and natural sweetness.
Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth, tangy frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting nicely.

If you want to make this cake dairy-free, swap butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives, and you can also tweak the nuts or leave them out if allergies are a concern.

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Chef’s Note

You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Kitchen Tools Required

9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect size for even baking.
Mixing bowls: At least two—one for dry and one for wet ingredients to keep things tidy.
Electric mixer or hand whisk: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier and ensures smooth frosting.
Grater: For finely grating the apples, distributing moisture evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring is key for baking success.
Spatula or wooden spoon: For folding in apples and nuts gently.

How to Make Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Let’s get started! The steps are simple, and I’ll guide you through to make sure your cake turns out moist and delicious every time.

Preheat and prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13-inch baking pan so the cake releases easily once baked.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spice.
Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes — you want to see a pale, creamy texture.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is combined before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
Fold in apples and walnuts: Gently fold in the grated apples and optional chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly without breaking the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown but still soft to the touch.
Cool completely: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting—you don’t want the cream cheese frosting to melt.
Make the frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy that perfect balance of moist apple cake with tangy, sweet frosting.

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Cooking Secrets

Tip 1: Grate the apples finely so they blend into the batter and keep it moist.
Tip 2: Don’t skip letting the cake cool before frosting; cream cheese frosting melts too easily on warm surfaces.
Tip 3: Use room temperature eggs and softened butter to help the batter mix smoothly without overworking it.
Tip 4: If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add powdered sugar gradually and taste as you go—it’s easy to adjust.

How to Serve

A close-up of a single slice of cake on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The slice has three visible layers: the top and bottom layers are moist, brownish cake with a crumbly texture, and the middle layer is lighter with chunks of fruit, possibly apple, mixed in a creamy filling. The top of the cake is covered with a thick layer of smooth, off-white frosting that is swirled in a decorative pattern. The image catches warm lighting highlighting the cake’s textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Enhance the Flavors

Try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon on top of the frosting for a warm touch. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a few tart apple slices add lovely contrast and freshen up each bite.

Tasty Combos

This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a brisk cup of coffee. For gatherings, I like serving it alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the creamy frosting.

Serving Tips

Slice into generous squares to wow your guests. For gifting or potlucks, wrap slices individually with parchment paper and tie with string—that cozy homemade touch is always appreciated.

Easy Variations

Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives for both cake and frosting.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger along with the cinnamon.
Nut-free: Omit walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Extra fruit: Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries with the apples.
Lower sugar: Reduce granulated sugar slightly and increase cinnamon for natural sweetness.
Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh.
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months in airtight containers; thaw overnight before frosting.
To warm slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds—avoid heating too long to protect the frosting texture.
Always keep the cake covered to prevent it from drying out.

Common Questions

Can I use other types of apples? Absolutely! Just choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
Do I have to peel the apples? I usually leave the peel on since it adds color and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother texture, peeling is fine.
How thick should I grate the apples? Fine grating works best to blend them into the cake and keep it moist.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time? Yes, make it up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated. Bring to room temperature and stir before spreading.
Is it okay to skip the walnuts? Definitely! They add crunch but are optional and can be left out for nut allergies or preferences.