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Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A cozy slice of autumn delight with tender apples and warm spices, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Scoop and level it for accurate measuring
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon Adds warmth
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated apples Grate them just before adding for best moisture
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Optional for added crunch
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one by one, mixing in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Carefully fold in the grated apples and walnuts if using.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30–35 minutes.
  2. Check with a toothpick; when it comes out clean, cool the cake.
Frosting
  1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.
  3. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting over the top.

Notes

Time-saving: Grate apples ahead and store in lemon juice to keep them fresh. Common mistake fix: Lower oven temperature if cake domes.