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.
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.