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Classic Moist Apple Spice Cake with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

Close-up of a moist slice of apple spice cake topped with thick cream cheese frosting and walnuts.
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Make a moist, comforting apple spice cake filled with fresh apples and warm spices. Top it with a simple, tangy cream cheese frosting for the perfect homemade fall dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups grated fresh apples (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Gently fold in the grated apples and the chopped nuts, if using.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes for a 9×13 pan, or 30 to 40 minutes for round layers, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until incorporated.
  10. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too stiff.
  11. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon before serving.

Notes

  • Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast.
  • If you prefer a layer cake, line the bottoms of the round pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the vegetable oil with melted butter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/apple-spice-cake-recipe-moist-classic/