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Irresistible Spiced Apple Cake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

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A warm, moist spiced apple cake with tender apple chunks and a tangy, silky smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar (optional: swap half for brown sugar)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon vinegar)
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter and lightly dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
  2. Peel, core, and chop 3 medium apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk to combine.
  4. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  6. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with 1/2 cup buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed and stop as soon as the flour disappears.
  7. Gently fold in the chopped apples using a spatula.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. For the frosting, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
  12. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
  13. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
  14. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top with a spatula and swirl gently for a rustic look.
  15. Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid toughness. Use firm apples that hold shape when baked. Keep cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smooth frosting. Tent cake with foil if oven runs hot to prevent burning edges. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, see variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced apple cake, cream cheese frosting, autumn dessert, easy apple cake, cinnamon cake, moist apple cake

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/irresistible-spiced-apple-cake-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/