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Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Indulge in this moist and delicious apple cake, bursting with cinnamon spice and topped with a creamy, dreamy caramel cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy weekend treat! This recipe features two layers of tender apple cake, generously frosted and adorned with pecans and a delightful caramel drizzle. Easy to follow instructions make baking this masterpiece a breeze.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 70 mins
Calories 541.8 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 4.9 (9 Reviews)
Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Cooking Apples
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • Vegetable Oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • All Purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pecans
  • Extra pecan pieces for garnish
  • Extra caramel ice cream topping for drizzling
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • Powdered Sugar

How to Make Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8 or 9-inch round baking pans.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced), 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
  3. Add ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the apple mixture. Mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in 1 cup pecan halves.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. While cakes cool, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) and ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  11. Beat in 1 cup prepared caramel ice cream topping.
  12. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
  13. Gradually add 2 ¼ cups additional powdered sugar, beating until you reach desired consistency.
  14. Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Frost the top.
  15. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
  16. Garnish with extra pecan pieces and a drizzle of caramel ice cream topping.
  17. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

14 g

Sugar

273g

Fat

25g

Carbs

30g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion For Large Groups Low Protein Desserts Fruit Oven Potluck Dinner Party Fall Holiday Event Romantic Vegetarian Winter Cakes Dietary Christmas Thanksgiving Seasonal Comfort Food Low In Something Apples Taste Mood To Go Equipment Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less