This Fresh Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is pure comfort in every bite moist, flavorful, and bursting with chunks of fresh apples, warm spices, and a luscious tangy frosting. It’s a rustic yet elegant dessert that feels like autumn in cake form perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups (about 3 medium) peeled and diced apples (any sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add the dry mix: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Fold in apples and nuts: Add diced apples and pecans (if using), gently folding to distribute evenly.
6. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes (for a 9×13-inch) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until light and fluffy.
3. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

Tips

• For extra flavor, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle cinnamon on top of the frosting.
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
• This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.