Introduction

This fresh apple cake is wonderfully moist and packed with warm cinnamon flavor, making it a perfect treat for any season. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite dessert at your table.

A slice of two-layer cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. The cake has a moist brown texture with visible pieces of apple inside the layers. Between the two cake layers, there is a thick layer of creamy white frosting. The top layer of the cake is covered with a smooth white frosting, decorated with soft swirls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the grated apples and walnuts if using, ensuring even distribution.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 6: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Step 7: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve for a delicious finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji.
If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the grated apples to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
Use a hand grater or food processor to grate apples finely for better distribution throughout the batter.
For a festive twist, sprinkle cinnamon or toasted nuts on top of the frosting.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Leftover cake can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost as desired.

How to Serve

A slice of cake is shown on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. The cake has three main layers: the bottom and top layers are golden brown and look moist with small bits inside, possibly nuts or fruit pieces; the middle layer is thick, creamy, and white. The top of the cake slice is covered with a smooth layer of white frosting, decorated with soft, swirled peaks. The texture of the cake layers is slightly crumbly, and the frosting looks rich and fluffy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this apple cake without the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, the cake is delicious on its own and can be dusted with powdered sugar or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as an alternative.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake, but you can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp depending on your preference.