For me, nothing says “autumn” quite like the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting from the kitchen. This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
It takes about an hour and a half to make from start to finish, and trust me, every minute is worth it. The balance of warm spices, the moistness from the apples, and the tangy cream cheese frosting create a dessert that’s simply irresistible.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
This isn’t just any apple cake; it’s special! Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Extra Moist: The combination of oil and apples ensures a tender, moist cake that stays fresh for days.
- Perfect Spice Blend: The warm spices complement the apples perfectly, creating a cozy and comforting flavor.
- Easy to Make: Even with the frosting, this cake is surprisingly simple to make. The steps are straightforward, and the results are impressive.
- Impressive Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting adds a touch of elegance and perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.
What Makes This Fresh Apple Cake Work
This cake isn’t just delicious, it’s also a testament to the magic of baking science. The use of Granny Smith and Gala apples provides a balance of tartness and sweetness, while their high moisture content keeps the cake incredibly moist.
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of the apples. The ratio of wet to dry ingredients is carefully balanced to ensure a tender crumb.
If you’re looking for another sweet treat, you might enjoy these Amazing Candy Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe.
The History of Apple Cake
Apple cake has a rich history, with variations found in many cultures around the world. It’s a dessert rooted in simplicity and resourcefulness, making use of readily available apples.
From the German Apfelkuchen to the French Gâteau aux Pommes, apple cake has evolved over centuries, with each region adding its own unique twist. It’s a treat that transcends borders.
Best Apples to Use for Fresh Apple Cake
When it comes to apple cake, the choice of apples can make a big difference. I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and Gala apples. Granny Smiths provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake, while Galas add a touch of sweetness and a tender texture. I would avoid using Red Delicious apples, as they can become mushy during baking.
Other good alternatives include Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples, which offer a similar balance of flavor and texture. According to the USDA SNAP-Ed program, apples offer great Nutrition, Selection, Storage and Recipes.
And if you are looking for more ways to utilize green beans in a dish, check out this Amazing Crack Green Beans Recipe You’ll Obsess Over.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather your equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
- Wire cooling rack
If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer will work just fine. Just be sure to beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth to avoid a lumpy frosting.
Ingredients for Fresh Apple Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make my Fresh Apple Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups chopped peeled apples (I use Granny Smith and Gala)
According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, one medium apple provides about 25 grams of carbohydrate.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
And here are the ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fresh Apple Cake
Alright, let’s get baking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making my Fresh Apple Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray and flour a 9×13 pan. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
- 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.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Now, let’s move on to the cream cheese frosting:
- 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.
Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips to help you achieve frosting perfection. First, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. If you want to add a little extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest, vanilla bean paste, or a pinch of cinnamon.
Storing Your Fresh Apple Cake
To keep your apple cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To prevent it from drying out, you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like the cake chilled or at room temperature.
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This apple cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
For a pretty presentation, dust the cake with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh apple slices.
Fresh Apple Cake Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations of my Fresh Apple Cake to try:
| Variation | Notes |
|---|---|
| Spiced Apple Cake | Add 1/2 tsp ground ginger and 1/4 tsp ground cloves to the batter. |
| Caramel Apple Cake | Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting. |
| Apple Walnut Cake | Add 1 cup chopped walnuts to the batter. |
Troubleshooting Your Fresh Apple Cake
Sometimes, baking doesn’t go as planned. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cake sank in the middle | Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking. |
| Frosting is too thin | Add powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. |
| Frosting is lumpy | Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Beat the cream cheese alone until smooth before adding other ingredients. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making apple cake:
Can I use a different type of flour?
While I recommend all-purpose flour for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour. Whole wheat flour will give the cake a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser texture.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How can I make this cake healthier?
To make this cake healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup and substitute some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting as much as I do. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want a cozy treat on a chilly day.
If you try this recipe, I would love to hear about your results in the comments below. Do you have any questions?
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.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
- 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.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.
