Ingredients
Scale
Gather up these simple ingredients, and let’s bring this delightful cake to life:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to substitute pecans for walnuts or even leave the nuts out if you prefer. The apples bring enough character to the cake on their own.
Instructions
Let’s bring this recipe to life, one step at a time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting generously over the top.
- Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the warm, rich flavors of fall in every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe, cooking, food