Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Ever had a slice of warm apple cake that makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket? If not, get ready to meet your new favorite dessert! This Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake comes together in a snap, all in one pan, and the accompanying dreamy cream cheese frosting is like a cherry on top. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll have your friends asking if you’ve secretly taken baking classes. Spoilers: you haven’t—it’s that easy!
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll adore this cake for a few reasons. First, easy cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your treat and less time scrubbing pans. Second, it’s totally family-friendly. Even the picky eaters will gobble it up without knowing they’re eating something healthy. And let’s be real, everyone loves a dessert that tastes like a slice of fall, am I right? 🍏
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Let’s make some magic happen! Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside for now!
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla extract after.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet one, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in grated apples and walnuts if you’re feeling fancy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and serve!
How to Make Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting (Overview)
Here’s how it all comes together! Mix up your dry ingredients, whip the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add your eggs and vanilla. Fold in apples (because why not?), and pour this deliciousness into the pan. Bake until golden, whip up your frosting, and spread it all over! Pro tip: Let that cake cool completely before frosting so you get that smooth, dreamy finish.
How to Serve Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Slice this beauty and watch the layers glisten! The warm, rich color of the cake paired with the silky white frosting makes an irresistible plate. For the ultimate experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dash of cinnamon on top. The contrasting textures of soft cake and fluffy frosting will leave your taste buds dancing. Seriously, yum! 🍦
How to Store Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
This apple cake stays fresh for about 3-5 days in the fridge. Just cover it up to keep it moist. Wanna make it ahead? Totally doable! You can freeze it—just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and it’ll keep for about 2-3 months. Defrost it overnight before serving, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready to go! ❄️
Tips to Make Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use fresh apples for an unbeatable flavor. Granny Smith works well for a nice tartness!
- Toast walnuts before adding them for an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness.
- If you want a lighter cake, swap half the butter for applesauce.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm spice that makes this cake even more irresistible.
- Make sure to soften cream cheese to avoid lumps in your frosting!
Variation
Feel like mixing it up? Try adding spices like ginger or nutmeg for a flavor twist. Want to go vegan? Swap out the eggs for flaxseed meal and use a plant-based butter alternative! You can even replace the cream cheese frosting with a coconut whipped cream for a lighter, dairy-free version. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, just frost it when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No worries! Leave them out or swap them for another nut, like pecans or even chocolate chips.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour standard flour for the cake base
- 1 tsp baking soda for leavening
- 1/2 tsp salt enhances flavor
- 1 tsp cinnamon for flavor
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to add moisture
- 1 cup granulated sugar for sweetness
- 2 large eggs for structure
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor
- 2 cups grated apples fresh grated for best flavor
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) adds crunch and nuttiness
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened must be softened for mixing
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to add richness
- 2 cups powdered sugar for sweetness and texture
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside for now.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla extract after.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet one, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in grated apples and walnuts if you’re feeling fancy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and serve!
Notes
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