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Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A heartwarming fall delight, this Apple Spice Cake combines the sweetness of apples with warm spices and an irresistible cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall Recipes
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • cup vegetable oil A neutral oil is recommended.
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed Light or dark based on preference.
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 ½ cups grated apple About 2 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith.
  • cup sour cream Adds moisture and richness.
For the Frosting
  • cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, brick-style, softened Not spreadable cream cheese.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream Depending on desired consistency.
Optional Garnish
  • Chopped walnuts For an added crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined.
  3. In another large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended and smooth.
  4. Stir in the applesauce, grated apple, and sour cream until well incorporated.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Frosting
  1. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Gradually mix in the cream cheese until creamy, then add powdered sugar one cup at a time. Beat until fluffy, adding heavy cream as necessary to achieve desired consistency.
  3. Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top with the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.
Serving
  1. Slice and serve, enjoying every bite with loved ones or savoring a piece on your own.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh spices. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, it can be frozen.