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–+ servings
Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Bake the Best Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a cozy celebration of fall, packed with juicy apples and warm spices, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensure it's fresh
  • ½ teaspoon salt Can reduce for low-sodium diets
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Substitute with nutmeg for a different twist
  • ½ cup unsalted butter Can use coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs Can use flax eggs for vegan version
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Consider vanilla bean paste for intense flavor
  • 2 cups fresh grated apples Squeeze moisture out
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts Optional; substitute with pecans or omit
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Vegan cream cheese is a great substitute
  • ½ cup unsalted butter Ensure it's at room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 splash milk Adjust thickness of frosting

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Medium-sized Bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Fold in the grated apples and chopped walnuts until evenly mixed.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  10. To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  11. Frost the cooled cake generously. Slice and serve!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Cool completely before frosting.

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