Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist, cozy, bakery-style dessert

This Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that disappears fast at potlucks and family gatherings. Packed with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, this easy apple cake stays perfectly moist thanks to a simple oil-based batter. The rich cream cheese frosting adds just the right balance of sweetness, making every bite taste like fall comfort food. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy weekends, holidays, or anytime you need a no-fuss homemade treat. If you’re looking for an easy apple cake recipe that feels bakery-worthy without extra effort, this one is a must-save.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 24 slices

Ingredients List

Apple Cake

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Sharp knife & cutting board

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, and sugar for 2–3 minutes until slightly lighter in color.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Stir in vanilla, diced apples, and walnuts until evenly distributed .
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely before frosting .
9. Beat cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
10. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake and slice to serve .

Pro Tips

• Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day early and frost before serving.
• Substitutions: Swap walnuts for pecans or leave nuts out entirely.
• Serving Idea: Serve chilled or slightly warmed with a cup of coffee or tea.

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