Irresistible Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something magical about the smell of spiced apple cake baking in the oven—it’s like autumn in a pan. Every year, as soon as the leaves start turning, I pull out my trusty recipe for Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s the one dessert my family begs me to make again and again. The secret? A tender, moist crumb packed with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, plus juicy chunks of fresh apple that melt into every bite. And let’s be honest—that tangy cream cheese frosting on top? That’s what takes this cake from good to “can I have seconds?” worthy. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like a cozy fall afternoon in no time.

Table of contents:

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This isn’t just any apple cake—it’s the kind that disappears before you can say “second slice!” Here’s why:

• Effortless elegance: Looks fancy but comes together with simple pantry staples—no special trip to the store needed
• Texture heaven: Moist crumb meets tender apple chunks in every bite (no dry cake here!)
• Warm spice magic: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make your kitchen smell like fall’s coziest day
• Frosting that wows: That creamy, tangy topping balances the cake’s sweetness perfectly
• Better tomorrow: Flavors deepen overnight—if you can resist eating it all right away

Honestly? I’ve served this to everyone from picky kids to fancy in-laws—zero leftovers every time.

Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most in your pantry already! I always measure everything before starting—it makes the baking process so much smoother.

• For the cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (the good stuff!)
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (that’s 1 stick)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature works best)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra rich)
• 2 cups diced apples (I use Granny Smith for that perfect tart bite)

• For the frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (trust me, it balances the sweetness)

See? Nothing fancy—just good, honest ingredients that create magic together.

Equipment You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets required here—just the basics you probably already have! Here’s what I grab every time:

• 9-inch round cake pan (the trusty workhorse)
• Mixing bowls (one big, one medium)
• Hand mixer (though a wooden spoon works in a pinch!)
• Spatula for scraping every last bit of batter
• Toothpick or skewer for testing doneness

That’s it—now let’s bake!

How to Make Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay, let’s get baking! This recipe comes together so easily, you’ll wonder why you don’t make it every weekend. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a showstopper cake in no time.

Preparing the Spiced Apple Cake Batter

First, grab that softened butter and sugar—this is where the magic starts. Cream them together until they’re light and fluffy (about 2 minutes with a mixer). Don’t rush this step—those tiny air bubbles make your cake tender! Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Now the fun part: alternate adding your dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined—overmixing makes tough cake! Gently fold in those apple pieces (I like to toss them with a bit of flour first to prevent sinking).

Baking and Cooling the Cake

Pour that gorgeous batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Set your timer for 35 minutes, but start checking—every oven’s different. It’s done when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (no wet batter). Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Important! Don’t even think about frosting until it’s completely cool—warm cake melts frosting into a sad puddle.

For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and that pinch of salt. Spread it thick over your cooled cake—I always sneak a swipe with my finger to “test” it. You know, for quality control.

Tips for Perfect Spiced Apple Cake

Here are my hard-won secrets for apple cake success:

• Apple wisdom: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness
• Temperature matters: Room temp eggs and butter cream better for that perfect tender crumb
• Flavor boost: Let the cake sit overnight (if you can wait!)—the spices mellow and deepen beautifully
• Frosting pro tip: Chill the frosted cake 30 minutes before serving for cleaner slices
• Extra love: Dust with cinnamon or top with caramel drizzle for serious wow factor

Oh—and always make two. One to devour immediately, one to “save for later” (wink).

Serving Suggestions for Spiced Apple Cake

Oh, the possibilities! I love serving this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the way it melts into the spiced crumb is pure magic. For breakfast (don’t judge!), nothing beats a thick slice with strong coffee. Feeling fancy? Drizzle with caramel sauce and toasted walnuts. Honestly? It’s incredible all on its own too—just hand me a fork! For more delicious recipes, check out our recipes section.

Storing and Freezing Spiced Apple Cake

Here’s the scoop on keeping your cake fresh—because let’s be honest, you might actually have leftovers! The frosted cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days (just cover it loosely). Want to freeze? Skip the frosting—wrap cooled cake layers tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. Pro tip: Write the date on the foil so future-you knows it’s still good!

FAQs About Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this spiced apple cake recipe:

Can I use a different type of apple? Absolutely! While I swear by Granny Smith for their tartness, Honeycrisp or Braeburn work great too. Just avoid super soft varieties—they turn to mush. The key is about 2 cups of firm, diced apples for that perfect texture.

Help—my frosting is too runny! No panic! Chill your cream cheese frosting for 20 minutes to firm up. If it’s still loose, add a bit more powdered sugar (1/4 cup at a time) until it’s spreadable but holds its shape.

Can I make this without a mixer? You bet! I’ve made this cake with just a wooden spoon and elbow grease many times. Cream the butter and sugar extra well, and mix the batter with love—it’ll still turn out delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done? That toothpick test is your best friend! Insert it near the center—moist crumbs are perfect, wet batter means more baking time. The edges should also pull slightly from the pan.

Can I add nuts or raisins? Oh yes—a 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or plumped raisins folded into the batter adds lovely texture. My aunt always adds both and calls it her “everything but the kitchen sink” version!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional estimates vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. As with any indulgent dessert, enjoy this spiced apple cake in moderation—but definitely enjoy it!

Rate This Recipe

Did you love this spiced apple cake as much as we do? Leave a star rating and tell us your thoughts in the comments! You can also find more delicious inspiration on Pinterest.

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