Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked cake wafting through your home, and this Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is no exception. Imagine the sweetness of ripe apples mingling with warm spices and a rich, creamy frosting that takes this dessert to the next level. Perfect for gatherings, cozy weekends, or simply as a delightful treat for yourself, this cake brings a taste of autumn magic all year round. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 3-4 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is done.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until everything is fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cake has finished baking, allow it to cool completely in the pan before spreading the frosting over the top.
- After frosting, slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the burst of flavor with every bite!
Notes or Tips
For a delightful twist, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter for extra flavor. This cake also freezes well—just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Cooking Techniques
When measuring flour, make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to a denser cake. Additionally, allow the cream cheese and butter to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this ensures they blend seamlessly into the frosting.
FAQ
Can I use other types of fruit besides apples?
Absolutely! Pears or even mashed bananas can provide delightful variations on this cake.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, which works wonderfully in recipes like this.
Conclusion
This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a loved recipe in your kitchen. With its tender crumb and luscious frosting, every slice is full of comfort and joy. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let the baking begin—happy cooking!