Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting brings together the cozy flavors of fall in every slice. This delightful dessert is perfect for gatherings, bringing a taste of home and warmth to any table. The combination of grated apples and warm spices makes each bite a treat, while the smooth cream cheese frosting adds a dreamy finish that takes this cake to another level. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to impress!
What Goes into This Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake
Before you get started, let’s gather everything you need to whip up this delicious cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated apples (about 2-3 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) (60g)
For the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225g)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (57g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake
Follow these simple steps for a homemade apple cake that will have everyone asking for seconds:
-
Preheat Your Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
-
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
-
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
-
Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the grated apples and, if you like, the chopped walnuts. This adds a nice crunch and flavor!
-
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Make the Frosting: While the cake is cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
-
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the dream creamy frosting over the top. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Serve & Enjoy Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake
This apple cake is best served at room temperature. You can slice it into squares and serve it on a nice platter. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special touch, you could garnish each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra chopped walnuts. Feel free to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience!
Recipe Tips & Variations
-
Apple Choices: You can use any variety of apples you like. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully for their sweet-tart flavor.
-
Add Some Zest: For an extra flavor kick, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. It brightens the cake and complements the apples.
-
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake FAQs
Can I use store-bought frosting instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought cream cheese frosting.
How should I store the leftovers?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well if you want to save some for later!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This apple cake actually tastes better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just make sure to frost it right before serving for the best texture.
There’s something truly comforting about Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s cozy, sweet, and just feels like home. So why not gather your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy a piece of this delightful cake today? Happy baking!