Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting -

Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A tender, warmly spiced apple cake finished with silky cream cheese frosting — cozy, easy, and perfect for fall breakfasts, potlucks, or an after-dinner treat. Soft crumb from the apples, just enough cinnamon, and a tangy frosting that keeps each bite balanced.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Total Time 2 10

Servings: 4 People

Course: Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Home-style

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup (130 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp fine salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
1/3 cup (70–75 g) brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for a slight tang)
1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil for a lighter crumb)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 medium apple, peeled, cored and diced (~1 cup). Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional — for texture)

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 to 1 cup (90–120 g) powdered sugar, sifted (adjust sweetness to taste)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of fine salt

Equipment

1 mixing bowl (large)
1 medium mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk (for frosting)
8-inch round cake pan (or 9x5 loaf pan / 9x13 sheet for scaling)
Cooling rack
Spatula, measuring cups & spoons, knife, cutting board

Method

1. Prep & oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round pan (or grease a small loaf pan). Lightly flour if desired.
2. Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl whisk together: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Wet mix
In a large bowl whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the egg until combined. Stir in melted butter (or oil), milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine & fold in apples
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently — do not overmix. Fold in the diced apples and the nuts if using. The batter will be slightly thick but moist.
5. Bake
Spread batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 40–50 minutes (start checking at 35–40 min) — cake is done when a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Top may be golden and fragrant.
6. Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then turn onto a cooling rack. Cool completely (about 1 hour) before frosting — frosting a warm cake will melt and run.
7. Make frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired sweetness and texture. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. If frosting seems loose, chill 10–15 minutes for easier spreading. Stir in optional maple or browned butter if using.
8. Frost & serve
Spread frosting over cooled cake. Garnish with a few chopped nuts, a light dusting of cinnamon, or thin caramel drizzle if you like. Slice and serve.

Notes

Apple choices: Granny Smith holds shape and cuts sweetness; Honeycrisp adds floral aroma. A mix is ideal.
Don't overmix the batter — overworking develops gluten and gives a tough crumb.
Cooling matters: For tidy slices, refrigerate the frosted cake 30–60 minutes before cutting.
Make it gluten-free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (see gluten-free/dairy-free desserts for more tips: https://eatlikefit.com/gluten-free-dairy-free-desserts-recipes/).
Dairy-free option: Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter substitute. Texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
Scale up: For a crowd, double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13 pan (adjust bake time).
Prep shortcut: Use canned or homemade apple pie filling for quick assembly — see apple pie filling for canning guide: https://eatlikefit.com/apple-pie-filling-recipe-for-canning/ (reduce added sugar if filling is sweet).
Pairing: Serve after a light, Mediterranean-style dinner to keep the meal balanced — pairing ideas: https://eatlikefit.com/mediterranean-diet-dinner-ideas/.