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Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese

Decadent Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Bliss

A moist and flavorful Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Consider gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Use standard table or sea salt.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Feel free to include cardamom for a floral hint.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Swap with vegetable oil for a denser texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Try brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Almond extract can provide a unique twist.
  • 2 cups grated apples Squeeze out excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Optional; substitute with pecans or skip for a nut-free dessert.
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese Use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sift to eliminate lumps for perfect application.
  • 1 tablespoon milk Any milk or non-dairy option will work.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  3. Beat together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then add vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.
  6. Fold in the grated apples and walnuts until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Mix together cream cheese and butter, then gradually add powdered sugar to make the frosting.
  11. Frost the cooled cake with the cream cheese frosting and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure room temperature ingredients create smooth frosting. Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!