Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
A moist and flavorful Fresh Apple Cake topped with smooth Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for a cozy dessert or afternoon treat. Made with grated apples and warming cinnamon, this cake combines tender crumb and rich frosting to delight your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold the grated apples and optional chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract until the frosting is thick and spreadable.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into slices and serve fresh.
Notes
- To prevent the cake from drying out, do not overbake and ensure to check with a toothpick before the 35-minute mark.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the walnuts entirely or substitute with seeds like pumpkin seeds.
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and better texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before applying frosting to avoid melting and sliding.
- The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to save time.
