The scent of cinnamon and warm apples baking… instantly, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She always had something delicious simmering or baking. This Irresistibly Delicious Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is my tribute to her. It’s the kind of cake that fills your home with comfort and joy, and disappears quickly with family and friends. It’s simple to make, but tastes utterly special. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake
This isn’t your average apple cake. We’re talking moist, tender crumb, bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh apples. The spices aren’t overpowering but provide a beautiful warmth. And the cream cheese frosting? Oh, the cream cheese frosting! It perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake with a tangy creaminess.
Here’s what makes this cake truly special:
- Easy to Make: Seriously, this recipe is beginner-friendly. No complicated techniques are involved.
- Fresh Apple Flavor: Using fresh apples makes all the difference. The flavor is vibrant and bright.
- Moist and Tender: The combination of oil and apples results in a wonderfully moist cake.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Perfection: It’s not too sweet and has that classic tang that complements apples beautifully.
- Crowd Pleaser: This cake is a guaranteed hit at any gathering!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you’ll need for this delightful cake. I’ve provided measurements for a standard 9-inch round cake pan.
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil work well)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 3 cups peeled and chopped fresh apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix work great – about 3 medium apples)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps for apple cake success!
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Alternatively, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.
- Add the buttermilk to the wet ingredients and whisk until blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay.
5. Add the Apples:
- Gently fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven so check frequently.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer works best for this.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency – creamy and spreadable.
8. Frost and Enjoy!
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting.
- Slice and serve!
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas to elevate your apple cake experience:
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties! Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake. A mix of sweet and tart apples can add complexity.
- Nutty Goodness: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Brown Sugar Boost: Substitute ½ cup of brown sugar for ½ cup of the granulated sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a warmer, more complex spice blend.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cake for an extra decadent touch.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it even better! This cake is also wonderful alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Serving size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Cholesterol: 70-80mg
- Sodium: 200-250mg
- Carbohydrates: 55-60g
- Sugar: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
This Irresistibly Delicious Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is more than just a cake; it’s a slice of comfort, a taste of home, and a guaranteed smile. Don’t be intimidated! Give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bake such a wonderfully delicious treat. Happy Baking!
