Irresistible Apple Cake Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Oh, the smell of freshly baked apple cake wafting through the kitchen—there’s nothing quite like it, is there? It takes me back to my childhood, where afternoons were filled with the sweet aroma of my grandma’s cooking. Every autumn, she would whip up her famous apple cake, making the house feel warm and inviting. I can still picture her in her cozy flannel shirt, dusting flour on the counters, humming softly as she sliced those crisp apples. That’s the magic I want to share with you today!
This Delicious Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to celebrate the cozy vibes of fall. It’s moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with a creamy frosting that makes each bite pure bliss. So grab an apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to whip up—perfect for a weeknight indulgence.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have on hand!
- Moist and flavorful, it makes for a delightful dessert or an afternoon snack.
- Great for gatherings; everyone will want the recipe!
- The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or more if you love that spice!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups peeled, chopped apples (I love using Granny Smith for a tart flavor!)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but they add a nice crunch!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s put it all together:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside while we work on the wet ingredients.
- In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined and slightly creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help the batter become fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. Your kitchen should already smell divine!
- Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Watch out! Don’t overmix; just blend until there are no more flour streaks. A few lumps are okay!
- Fold in those lovely chopped apples and nuts if you’re using them. Just be gentle to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (with a few moist crumbs is totally fine!).
- Once it’s done, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Pro Tips & Variations
One of the best things about this Delicious Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is how easily you can customize it!
- Spice it up: Feel free to add nutmeg, ginger, or even some pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist!
- Mix in some extras: Raisins or dried cranberries pair wonderfully with the apples.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- For the frosting: Experiment with adding lemon zest for a bright note, or even a splash of bourbon for a grown-up touch!
Serving Suggestions
This apple cake is perfect on its own, but why not elevate your serving game? I love to serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or hot apple cider. It’s a delightful way to warm up on chilly evenings! You can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Picture this: a luscious slice of apple cake, melting ice cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce—pure heaven!

Storage Tips
Once you’ve made this amazing cake (and trust me, you’ll want to!), here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will only get better as it sits!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, slice it up and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes if you prefer a nice crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a beautiful tartness, you can mix it up with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala apples for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure to peel and chop them into similar sizes for even baking.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes! You can use two 9-inch round pans if you want to layer the cake. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it might be slightly less—about 30-35 minutes. It’s also delicious as cupcakes—just bake for 18-22 minutes!
How can I make the cream cheese frosting less sweet?
If you’re not a huge fan of overly sweet frosting, try reducing the powdered sugar by half and adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. A splash of milk or cream will help with the consistency, too!
Can I add a glaze instead of frosting?
Definitely! A simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla would drizzle beautifully over the cake. Just mix until smooth and pour over the cooled cake.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can replace cream cheese with mascarpone for a lighter, less tangy frosting. Just adjust the sugar and whipping cream accordingly for a smooth consistency.
Conclusion
And there you have it! This Delicious Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a comforting staple in your home, just like it is in mine. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do, and I’d love to hear about your version! Did you add some extra spices or a drizzle of caramel? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Drop a comment below and let’s share the joy of baking together!

Irresistible Apple Cake Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Savor this delicious fresh apple cake topped with creamy cheese frosting A simple recipe to delight your taste buds at any occasion 154 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A moist and flavorful apple cake topped with creamy frosting, perfect for fall gatherings and cozy afternoons.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: apple cake, cream cheese frosting, fall recipes, dessert, baking
