Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely love how comforting and moist this Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe turns out every single time. There’s just something magical about tender chunks of apple baked right into a soft, spiced cake, all topped with a creamy frosting that’s bursting with cinnamon flavor. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons, potlucks, or whenever you want to impress family without too much fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how easy it was to get this bakery-worthy cake right at home. You’ll find that the combination of spices, apples, and that luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting makes this cake stand out from your average dessert. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that gets better over the next day as the flavors really meld together.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a special role — the apples bring moisture and texture, spices add warmth, and the cream cheese frosting ties everything together with silky richness. I always recommend using fresh apples that are crisp but not overly tart for the perfect cake texture.

• All-purpose flour: This gives structure to your cake; measuring it correctly avoids a dry or dense texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise nicely, making it fluffy and light.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds that classic fall-spice warmth that complements the apples.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, easier than butter for this recipe.
• Granulated sugar & brown sugar: The combo balances sweetness with a hint of molasses richness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the batter.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor depth.
• Apples: Thinly sliced and chopped into ¼ inch pieces—this technique ensures even distribution and bites of tender apple.
• Cream cheese: Softened for smooth, tangy frosting that’s never overpowering.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and silky texture to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
• Half and half or heavy cream: Adjusts frosting thickness for easy spreading.

Variations

I love how this Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a great canvas for creativity. Feel free to tweak it to fit your taste or what’s in season—like swapping apples for pears or adding nuts for extra crunch. Customizing recipes keeps things fun and lets your personality shine through in the kitchen.

• Walnuts or Pecans: Adding chopped nuts into the batter gives a lovely texture contrast and added earthiness. My family goes nuts for the crunch!
• Spiced Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve successfully used a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make this cake and it turned out just as moist and tasty.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent finish, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted cake—totally irresistible.

How to Make Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want the oven perfectly hot when your batter goes in to ensure even baking. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This ensures the leavening and spice are evenly spread so every bite tastes balanced.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients & Sugars

In a larger bowl, whisk vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. This creates the base of your batter and the sugar dissolves more easily when mixed with the oil. Don’t overmix here—just get it combined.

Step 3: Gently Fold Dry Ingredients and Apples

Pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture and stir just until combined. The key is to avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Then fold in the chopped apples carefully so they’re evenly distributed without pulverizing them.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a prepared 9×13 inch pan lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray. Smooth the top so it bakes evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes—insert a toothpick or cake tester, and it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting; patience here makes your frosting shine.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, whip up the frosting by mixing softened cream cheese and butter with cinnamon and vanilla until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well between additions. Pour in half and half or heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you get a spreadable yet fluffy texture. Trust me, the cream cheese frosting with cinnamon is what takes this cake from good to unforgettable.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top with a spatula or knife. If you lined your pan with parchment paper, you can gently lift the whole cake out for a tidier presentation. Slice into squares and serve! You’ll love the way the cinnamon frosting melts into the apple cake with every bite.

How to Serve Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic: a light dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting, or sometimes a few thin apple slices fanned out for that inviting look. Freshly chopped nuts sprinkled on the frosting add crunch and color, making the cake feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This apple cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a cozy coffee break, a piping hot cup of chai or cinnamon-spiced coffee complement the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve whipped this recipe into mini cupcakes topped with individual dollops of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting, which is always a crowd-pleaser. Layering the cake into a trifle with whipped cream and caramel drizzle also adds an elegant twist without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the cake stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors mellow and blend.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cake, I usually freeze it un-frosted wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. After thawing completely in the fridge, I spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting freshly before serving, which keeps it tasting bright and fresh.

Reheating

For serving leftover cake, I bring slices to room temperature, then pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm slightly. This brings out the moistness without melting the frosting completely, making each slice feel fresh and cozy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts because it’s easy, flavorful, and always a hit at gatherings. I love sharing it with friends who appreciate the cozy blend of apples and cinnamon, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it. Give it a try next time you want a simple yet impressive cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite!

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