Hi, I’m Jessica, Jessy to most, and I’m so glad you’re here. This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting brings back so many memories for me. My grandma used to make it every fall, and the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven always made our home feel so warm and cozy.
This recipe is easy to follow, takes about an hour to prepare, and results in a cake that’s incredibly moist, tender, and delicious. It’s truly a taste of autumn in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
- Incredibly moist and tender crumb.
- Cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients, impressive results.
What are the Best Apples to Use for Fresh Apple Cake?
Choosing the right apples can really elevate this cake. I find that a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake, while Gala apples provide a lovely sweetness and a slightly softer texture.
Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are also great options. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect blend.
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Texture | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Tart | Firm | Adds a tangy flavor and holds its shape well during baking. |
| Gala | Sweet | Crisp | Provides sweetness and a slightly softer texture. |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet-Tart | Very Crisp | Offers a balanced flavor and a satisfying crunch. |
| Fuji | Very Sweet | Crisp-Juicy | Adds intense sweetness and moisture to the cake. |
Equipment You’ll Need
To make this delightful apple cake, you’ll need a few essential tools. A 9×13 inch baking pan is perfect for this recipe; a similar size pan will also work. You’ll also need mixing bowls of any size to prepare the batter and frosting. For the frosting, a stand mixer or hand mixer works best, but a whisk can be used, though it will require more effort.
Fresh Apple Cake Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cake, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic apple pie flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Contributes a subtle, nutty spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Adds a complex blend of flavors, similar to cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 4 cups chopped peeled apples (we use Granny Smith and Gala): Provides the main flavor and adds moisture.
- 8 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature): The base of the creamy, tangy frosting.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening (at room temperature): Adds stability and creaminess to the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect apple cake:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray and flour a 9×13 pan. Set aside. Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. The batter will be thick. Stir in the apples until cake batter moistens.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and set. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire cooling rack.
- While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until it is completely smooth. Add the vegetable shortening and beat until combined. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Frost the cooled the cake with cream cheese frosting. Cut into pieces and serve.
- Note-The frosted cake can be kept, refrigerated and tightly covered, for up to 3 days. I like the cake chilled or at room temperature.
Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few frosting variations you might like:
- Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: Use browned butter instead of shortening for a nutty, caramel-like flavor.
- Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Fresh Apple Cake
Here are a few tips to help you achieve cake perfection:
- Measure flour accurately using the spoon and level method to avoid a dry cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.
How to Store Fresh Apple Cake
The frosted cake can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, the unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
- Soggy Cake: Ensure the cake is fully baked. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
- Dry Cake: Don’t overbake the cake. Add a tablespoon of applesauce or sour cream to the batter for extra moisture.
- Curdled Frosting: Make sure the cream cheese and shortening are at room temperature. Beat the frosting on low speed.
- Why is room temperature cream cheese important? It allows the ingredients to blend smoothly, resulting in a creamy, lump-free frosting. If the cream cheese is too cold, it won’t incorporate properly and can leave you with a lumpy frosting.
Cream Cheese Alternatives
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or a combination of Greek yogurt and butter. Keep in mind that these substitutions will alter the flavor and texture of the frosting.
Serving Suggestions for Fresh Apple Cake
- Dust with cinnamon.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it the day you plan to serve it.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the unfrosted cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect the texture and moisture of the cake.
Conclusion
This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Leave a comment below with your questions or share your own variations! I can’t wait to hear how your Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out!
If you are looking for another easy recipe then check out these Ultimate Candy Cookie Bars Recipe: Simple & Easy!.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you are sure to enjoy Simple Glazed Carrots: An Amazing Side Dish. This recipe is definitely a crowd pleaser, just like The Ultimate Easy Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe.
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Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray and flour a 9×13 pan. Set aside. Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. The batter will be thick. Stir in the apples until cake batter moistens.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and set. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire cooling rack.
- While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until it is completely smooth. Add the vegetable shortening and beat until combined. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Frost the cooled the cake with cream cheese frosting. Cut into pieces and serve.
- Note-The frosted cake can be kept, refrigerated and tightly covered, for up to 3 days. I like the cake chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Lemon Zest Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: Use browned butter instead of shortening for a nutty, caramel-like flavor.
- Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Measure flour accurately using the spoon and level method to avoid a dry cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.
