Description
This Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting treat. Featuring tender chunks of apple baked into a spiced cake, topped with a rich and creamy cinnamon-infused frosting, it’s a delightful combination of sweet and spice that’s sure to impress.
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 packed brown sugar
- 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
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to lift the cake out easily after baking; alternatively, lightly spray the pan with cooking spray if you plan to serve directly from it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing, which could toughen the cake. Then fold in the chopped apple pieces evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This ensures it firms up for easier handling and frosting application.
- Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition until combined and fluffy. Add the half and half (or heavy cream) and beat until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Add more cream if necessary.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For best texture, thinly slice the apples and then chop them into roughly ¼ inch pieces before adding to the batter.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
