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Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A delightful dessert that combines the moistness of fresh apples with a rich, creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Whole wheat flour can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Any sweet apple variety works.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs Best if at room temperature.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Feel free to add more spices for extra warmth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Can be replaced with sunflower seeds.
For the Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Ensure it is at room temperature.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Also best at room temperature.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar Add gradually.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 by 13 inch baking pan, or prepare two 9-inch round pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring carefully just until combined. Avoid over-mixing.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped apples and add the chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Frosting
  1. Let the cake cool completely in the pan. While it cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the rest of the vanilla until fluffy.
  3. Once the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Serving
  1. Slice the cake and enjoy!

Notes

Serve best at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Can freeze slices for up to three months.