Moist Fresh Apple Cake with Silky Cream Cheese Frosting

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This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of dessert that instantly fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Loaded with juicy apples, cozy cinnamon, and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re baking for holidays, potlucks, or a laid-back weekend treat, this cake guarantees rave reviews every single time.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated apples (about 2 medium apples)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Add the grated apples and walnuts, mixing with a spatula.

2. Bake the Cake

7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool completely before frosting.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

10. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar until creamy.
12. Mix in the vanilla.
13. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

Pro Tips

• Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
• Room-temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter and frosting.
• Don’t skip cooling time — warm cake will melt the frosting.
• Squeeze excess moisture from grated apples for a fluffier crumb.
• For cleaner slices, warm your knife under hot water and wipe between cuts.

Why This Recipe Works

• Moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
• Perfect balance of sweet apples, warm spices, and tangy frosting.
• Super easy — no advanced techniques needed.
• Crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap the nuts: Use pecans, almonds, or skip entirely.
• Add flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom adds depth.
• Brighten the frosting: Mix in 1 tsp orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Caramel swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce into the batter before baking.
• Oil alternative: Replace butter with coconut or vegetable oil for a denser texture.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

• Bake the cake 1 day early and frost before serving.
• Cake (without frosting) freezes up to 3 months.

Storage

• Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Reheating

• Let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a warm mug of tea or spiced latte.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace butter with oil in the cake?

Yes! Oil makes the cake extra moist. Substitute with ½ cup of vegetable or melted coconut oil.

Can I freeze the frosted cake?

It’s best to freeze the cake without frosting. Frosting tends to separate after thawing.

How do I prevent soggy cake from the apples?

Gently squeeze the grated apples in a clean towel to remove excess juice.

This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect blend of warm spices, tender apples, and silky frosting. Simple to make and always a hit, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself baking again and again.

Moist Fresh Apple Cake with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, spiced apple cake topped with creamy frosting—easy, delicious, and perfect for holidays, gatherings, or cozy fall baking.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Apple Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated apples (about 2 medium apples)
• cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
• Add the grated apples and walnuts, mixing with a spatula.

2. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool completely before frosting.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar until creamy.
• Mix in the vanilla.
• Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

Notes

• Full-fat cream cheese creates the smoothest frosting.
• Do not overmix the batter; this keeps the cake tender.
• If apples are very juicy, squeeze lightly to remove moisture.
• Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.

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