Description
This Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. The cake combines warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with tender chopped apples, creating a delightful texture and taste. Topped with a creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting and garnished with toasted nuts, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 2 medium apples, finely chopped (1 1/2 to 2 cups)
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted nuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. Butter the parchment paper as well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes and helps incorporate air into the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with two portions of milk. Mix just until combined each time to avoid overmixing. Finally, fold in the finely chopped apples gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Then carefully turn the cakes out onto wire racks, remove the parchment paper, and let them cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar while mixing until the frosting is smooth. Add the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, then continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
- Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining frosting smoothly over the cake’s top.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle the top with chopped toasted nuts for added texture and flavor. Slice and serve the cake at room temperature for the best taste.
Notes
- Room temperature cream cheese and butter ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour and milk are added to keep the cake tender.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- The toasted nuts add crunch and can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple spice cake, cinnamon cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, spiced cake, homemade cake, easy cake recipe, apple cake
