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Creamy Apple Cake Recipe – Easy Fall Dessert with Cream Cheese Frosting

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This creamy apple cake is a cozy, moist fall dessert packed with tender apples, warm spices, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50g)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder (8g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (5g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (120g)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (10ml)
  • 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 2 medium; Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (57g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (240g)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5ml)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream for thinner frosting

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and finely chop apples; toss with lemon juice.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  5. Mix in sour cream until batter is creamy and smooth.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in two batches, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold in chopped apples with a spatula.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the frosting: In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and thick. Add milk or cream if a thinner consistency is desired.
  11. Once cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp). Chop apples small for creamy texture. Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour. Cool cake completely before frosting. Cake and frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use appropriate substitutes. Optional: add nuts or caramel for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cake, fall dessert, cream cheese frosting, easy cake, autumn baking, moist apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, comfort food, potluck dessert, family recipe

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-apple-cake-recipe-easy-fall-dessert-with-cream-cheese-frosting/