The Best Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Is there anything more comforting than a slice of warm, moist Spiced Apple Cake fresh from the oven? This crowd-pleasing Apple Cake Recipe balances tender spiced crumb with tender apple chunks and a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings or weekend indulgences, it’s the dessert that never fails to impress. Let’s bake something extraordinary together!

Ingredients List

For the cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

Substitution ideas: Use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option; substitute apples with pears for variation; add 1 tsp orange zest for brightness.

Timing

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 50-55 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Pro tip: Prep ahead by 30 minutes since cold ingredients lead to uneven results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan or three 8-inch round pans.
2. Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mix. Fold in apples and nuts.
5. Bake: Pour batter into pan(s). Bake for 50-55 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
6. Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until fluffy. Add cream for consistency.
7. Finish: Frost cooled cake using an offset spatula for smooth edges. Garnish with apple slices or toasted nuts.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (12 slices): 420 kcal | 6g protein | 58g carbs | 22g fat | 3g fiber | 8% vitamin A | 10% calcium

Healthier Alternatives

• Vegan: Use applesauce instead of eggs, coconut oil instead of butter, and dairy-free cream cheese
• Low-sugar: Reduce sugar by 1/3, use applesauce as sweetener, frost with Greek yogurt
• Grain-free: Substitute almond flour and almond milk for classic ingredients
• Oil-free: Replace butter with unsweetened applesauce

Serving Suggestions

• Plate with a dusting of cinnamon powder and fresh mint
• Pair with warm Chai tea or spiced cider
• Serve with whipped cream or caramel sauce
• Tip: Garnish with edible flowers for Instagram-worthy presentation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Overmixing batter: Creates dense texture – mix until ingredients just combine
• ❌ Cold ingredients: Leads to uneven distribution – all items should be room temperature
• ❌ Overbaking: Check 5 minutes early – toothpick test is key!
• ❌ Frosting warm cake: Melts frosting completely – cool completely first

Storing Tips

• Refrigerator: Store uncovered for 4 hours then covered in airtight container for 5-7 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to 3 months
• Revive: Microwave for 20 seconds per slice or warm in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes
• Meal prep: Bake plain cakes and frost before serving

Conclusion

This Apple Cake Recipe delivers the perfect balance of spice, fruit, and creamy richness. Trusted by home bakers worldwide, it transforms basic ingredients into extraordinary results. Ready to taste autumn perfection? Bake this Spiced Apple Cake today and share your creations with us!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen apples? Yes, thaw and drain thoroughly first to avoid excess moisture
2. Why is my cake dense? Likely from overmixing or old baking soda – check freshness!
3. Why is my frosting lumpy? Cream cheese must be fully softened; sift powdered sugar
4. Can bake in a bundt pan? Absolutely – grease and flour thoroughly, cool 10 minutes before inverting
5. Can I omit walnuts? Definitely – substitute with cinnamon chips or leave out entirely