Introduction

This irresistible fresh apple cake is a delightful treat that combines tender cake with juicy grated apples and a creamy cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a wonderful balance of sweet and spice that will keep you coming back for more.

A close-up view of a piece of layered carrot cake on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. The cake has three visible layers: the bottom and top layers are moist, brownish-orange with small pieces of carrot and nuts embedded, giving it a textured look; the middle layer is thick and creamy with a smooth, white frosting mixed with bits of cake. The top of the slice is covered with a thick layer of ivory cream cheese frosting, decorated with soft, swirled patterns that add a rich and fluffy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 6: Fold in the grated apples and chopped walnuts if using.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 9: For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Step 10: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and spreadable.
Step 11: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith.
Replace walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the dry ingredients for a spicier flavor.
If you prefer, bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings, adjusting baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Storage

Store the apple cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. The cake can also be frozen, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting or serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a slice of carrot cake on a white plate, showing three layers in total: two thick, moist brown cake layers speckled with bits of carrot and nuts, separated by a smooth pale cream cheese frosting layer in the middle and topped with a thick, swirled layer of the same creamy white frosting. The cake looks soft and dense with visible chunks of carrots and nuts inside. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and natural light softly highlights the texture of the frosting and cake crumbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use applesauce instead of grated apples?

Using applesauce will change the texture and moisture level of the cake. While it can work, grated apples give the cake a fresh, slightly textured bite that applesauce doesn’t provide.

Is cream cheese frosting necessary for this apple cake?

The cream cheese frosting complements the flavors well, adding a creamy tanginess. However, the cake is delicious on its own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter option.

Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

This Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring fresh grated apples and warm cinnamon spice, topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake combines soft texture with a subtle crunch from optional walnuts, making it a delightful treat for apple lovers.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to combine. Set aside to ensure even distribution of leavening and spice.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3-5 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold the grated apples and optional chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly without deflating the batter.
Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

For extra moistness, peel the apples before grating if preferred, though the peel adds color and texture.
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether if there are allergy concerns.
The cake can also be baked in a bundt pan or 9×13 inch pan; adjust baking time accordingly.
Ensure the cream cheese and butter for frosting are softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Keywords: apple cake, fresh apples, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon cake, homemade apple dessert, moist apple cake, walnut apple cake