The Ultimate Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

I’ll never forget the first time I made apple cake. My grandma was visiting, and the whole house smelled like cinnamon and warm apples. That cake was so moist and comforting, and it’s a memory I treasure.

Today, I want to share my recipe for Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s easy to make and utterly delicious. The total baking time is just 45 minutes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Super Moist Texture: This cake uses oil to guarantee a tender, moist crumb that lasts for days.
• Perfect Spice Balance: I’ve carefully selected the spices to complement the apples without overpowering them.
• Quick and Easy Prep: You can whip this cake up in no time. It is perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Amazing Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and tangy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible.

What Apples to Use for Fresh Apple Cake

Choosing the right apples is key to a great apple cake. I typically use a mix of Granny Smith and Gala apples. Granny Smiths hold their shape well during baking, providing a slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Gala apples, on the other hand, soften beautifully and add a touch of sweetness.

Other great options include Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn. Honeycrisp apples offer a wonderful crispness and sweet-tart flavor. Fuji apples are sweet and juicy and work well in cakes.

Braeburn apples have a complex flavor profile with notes of spice and honey, which complements the cinnamon and nutmeg in the recipe. Keep in mind that some apples, like McIntosh, tend to break down more during baking, so they’re best used if you prefer a smoother texture in your cake.

One medium apple provides about 25 grams of carbohydrates, making them a good source of energy. If you are looking for more options for sweets, consider these easy candy cookie bars.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups chopped peeled apples (we use Granny Smith and Gala)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a few essential tools to make this apple cake:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Stand mixer (or electric mixer)
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making this cake is easier than you might think! First, you’ll combine the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients, and gently fold in the apples. After baking, you’ll whip up a simple cream cheese frosting. Frost the cooled cake, slice, and serve.

Check out our other recipes in bakes and sweets.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos/Videos

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray and flour a 9×13 pan. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. The batter will be thick. Stir in the apples until cake batter moistens.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and set. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire cooling rack.
5. While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until it is completely smooth. Add the vegetable shortening and beat until combined. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute.
6. Frost the cooled the cake with cream cheese frosting. Cut into pieces and serve.
7. Note-The frosted cake can be kept, refrigerated and tightly covered, for up to 3 days. I like the cake chilled or at room temperature.

Why This Fresh Apple Cake Recipe Works

This apple cake recipe works because of the careful balance of ingredients and techniques. Using oil instead of butter ensures a moist cake. Oil remains liquid at room temperature, which keeps the cake tender.

Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the apples and sugar, creating carbon dioxide that helps the cake rise. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice enhances the natural flavors of the apples, creating a warm and inviting aroma and taste.

Cream Cheese Frosting Variations

Here are a few ideas to elevate your cream cheese frosting:

Variation	Description
Cinnamon Spice	Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warmer, spicier flavor.
Nutmeg Infusion	Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to complement the cake’s spices.
Lemon Zest	Add the zest of one lemon for a bright, citrusy twist.
Maple Sweetness	Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a hint of maple flavor.

Baker’s Schedule

• 1 Day Before: Chop the apples and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Morning Of: Make the cake and frosting. The cake can be stored, frosted, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• 2 Hours Before: Remove the cake from the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Storing Instructions

To store the apple cake, allow it to cool completely. If unfrosted, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For frosted cake, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

Yes, you can freeze the apple cake! Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

While this cake is delicious on its own, here are a few ways to make it even more special:

• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
• Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosted cake.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

• Cake Sinking in the Middle: This can happen if the oven temperature is not accurate. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is properly heated.
• Frosting Too Runny: Make sure your cream cheese and vegetable shortening are at room temperature before making the frosting. If the frosting is still too thin, add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Dry Cake: Measure the flour accurately. Adding too much flour can result in a dry cake.
• Apples Sinking to the Bottom: Toss the apples with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter to help them stay suspended in the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions