Get ready to experience a slice of pure comfort that will transport you straight to Grandma's kitchen! This irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is more than just a dessert – it's a warm hug on a plate that combines the perfect balance of tender, spiced apple cake and silky smooth cream cheese frosting. Whether you're looking to impress your family, bring a show-stopping dessert to a potluck, or simply indulge in a moment of delicious nostalgia, this recipe promises to become an instant classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, beat vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed until a consistent batter forms.
- Carefully fold in peeled and chopped apples and chopped walnuts (if using) using a spatula, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Pour cake batter into prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack, approximately 30-40 minutes.
- For cream cheese icing, beat softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and achieving a spreadable consistency.
- Once cake is completely cooled, spread cream cheese icing evenly across the top of the cake.
- Optional: Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.
- Slice into squares and serve at room temperature. Cake can be stored covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- • Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing • Don't overmix the batter – mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender • For extra moisture, you can add a splash of apple sauce to the batter • Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese icing from melting • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness • For a decorative touch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting • This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 85g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
