Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | Best Fall Dessert
There is something magical about baking an Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting on a crisp autumn day. The warm scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples filling the kitchen instantly takes me back to childhood afternoons when my grandmother would surprise us with her famous apple blossom cake recipe. Each slice was moist, sweet, and always topped with the perfect tangy frosting for apple cake that made every bite unforgettable. Today, I love recreating that nostalgic treat at home, especially during the fall season when apples are at their peak.
This dessert has everything you could ask for in a cozy bake: the soft texture of apple flavored cake, the richness of apples and cream cheese, and the indulgence of a creamy topping. If you’re searching for favorite fall desserts that feel special yet approachable, this apple cake with frosting will quickly become a go-to recipe for holidays, gatherings, or just a sweet weekend treat.
Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and dice fresh apples into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet, then stir in the diced apples.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 pan or bundt pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and milk, beat until creamy. Mix in lemon juice if using.
- Spread frosting generously over the cooled cake before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
The charm of this cake lies in its simplicity paired with indulgence. It’s hearty enough to serve as a casual weeknight treat yet elegant enough for Thanksgiving or a holiday party. With cream cheese frosting bringing balance to the sweetness, this cake captures the essence of autumn baking.
Unlike many easy desserts with cream cheese frosting, this one stands out because the apples keep the cake moist for days. You don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients; the magic happens with pantry staples, fresh apples, and a luscious icing for apple cake that makes every slice shine.
Ingredients for Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe together:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes & Substitutions |
| Fresh apples | 2 cups, peeled and diced | Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Can substitute with gluten-free blend |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | Helps with rising |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Boosts fluffiness |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds warmth |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp | Optional but recommended |
| Sugar | 1 cup | Adjust sweetness to taste |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Adds depth of flavor |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature for best texture |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup | Keeps cake moist |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz, softened | For the frosting |
| Butter | ½ cup, softened | Blends with cream cheese |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups | For smooth frosting |
| Milk | 2–3 tbsp | Adjust consistency |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp | Optional, adds tang to frosting |
This ingredient list combines everything you need for a moist apple flavored cake and the dreamiest frosting for apple cake.
How to Make Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prepare your apples. Peel and dice fresh apples, making sure they’re bite-sized.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Blend wet ingredients. Beat eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet, then stir in the apples.
- Bake. Pour batter into a greased 9×13 pan or bundt pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar and milk until creamy. Spread generously over cooled cake.
This method guarantees an apple cake with frosting that is soft, flavorful, and topped with the perfect creamy layer.
How to Serve Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake is versatile and can be presented in several delightful ways:
- Serve warm with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish.
- Slice into squares for an easy bake sale or potluck favorite.
- Pair with a hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall pairing.
- Add a holiday twist by sprinkling crushed pecans or walnuts over the icing for apple cake during Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Pro Tips to Perfect Your Apple Cake with Frosting
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the cake and frosting.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
- Chill the cake before slicing if you want neat, bakery-style squares.
- For a seasonal upgrade, mix a little maple syrup or cinnamon into the cream cheese frosting.
These small adjustments ensure your apple cake with frosting tastes like the best apple blossom cake recipe every single time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the cooling step. If you frost the cake while warm, the icing for apple cake will melt and slide off.
- Using too many apples. Extra moisture can make the cake soggy instead of tender.
- Overbaking. This cake should stay moist; check with a toothpick early to prevent drying out.
- Too much powdered sugar in frosting. It can become overly sweet and lose its tangy balance.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
| Room Temperature | 2 days | Keep covered in an airtight container |
| Refrigerator | 4–5 days | Store frosted cake chilled for best texture |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap slices individually, thaw overnight before serving |
To reheat, microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds. If frozen, allow it to come to room temperature before warming. The frosting will remain creamy and delicious even after storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the apple flavored cake a day before and frost it right before serving.
Which apples are best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji provide the best texture and flavor balance.
Can I use less sugar?
Absolutely. You can reduce sugar by ¼ cup without affecting the structure.
What other toppings work?
Caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar enhance the cake beautifully.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, both the cake and the frosting freeze well if stored separately.
Conclusion
Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert to celebrate fall flavors. With moist cake, tangy frosting, and the comfort of apples and cream cheese, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you want an easy apple blossom cake recipe, a festive holiday dessert, or simple easy desserts with cream cheese frosting, this cake delivers every time. Save this recipe for your collection of favorite fall desserts and share it with friends who love apple cake with frosting as much as you do.
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