e Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This irresistible Fresh Apple Cake is moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon. Topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, this classic dessert combines the natural sweetness of grated apples with a tender crumb and optional crunchy walnuts, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 (about 2 medium 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
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- 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 together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in apples and walnuts: Gently fold in the grated apples and chopped walnuts (if using) to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy this moist, flavorful apple cake with dreamy cream cheese frosting!
Notes
- If you prefer a nut-free cake, simply omit the walnuts without affecting texture much.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and acidity.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This cake can also be frozen after baking (without frosting) for up to 3 months.
- For extra moisture, you can add 1/4 cup of applesauce or yogurt to the batter, reducing butter slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: apple cake, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon apple cake, moist apple dessert, walnut apple cake