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Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 20 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This moist and flavorful Apple Cake is filled with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon, topped with a rich and creamy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting dessert any time of year, this cake combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon and apples into a delectably soft texture, balanced by a smooth, spiced frosting that complements every bite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Apple Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large apples, thinly sliced and chopped into 1/4 inch pieces

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons half and half or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang if you plan to lift the whole cake out to serve. If serving directly from the pan, lightly spray it with cooking spray instead.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
  5. Add Apples: Fold the thinly sliced and chopped apples into the batter evenly to distribute throughout the cake.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This will make it easier to frost and serve.
  8. Make the Frosting: Using a stand or electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  9. Add Powdered Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the frosting mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, mix in the half and half or heavy cream to reach your desired frosting consistency, adding a little more if necessary.
  10. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is thoroughly cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • To prepare the apples, thinly slice them first, then chop into approximately ¼ inch pieces for even distribution and texture in the cake.
  • Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will remain fresh for several days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/20th of the cake)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg