Irresistible Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Name: Irresistible Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups grated apples; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Author: lia

Published: September 6, 2025

Updated: September 8, 2025

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There’s something magical about the smell of Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting drifting through the kitchen—that cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples that instantly feels like a hug. I first made this cake years ago for a fall potluck, and now it’s the one recipe my friends beg me to bring every time the leaves start turning. The secret? Using tart apples (I’m loyal to Granny Smith) and just enough spice to let the fruit shine. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast, especially when topped with that tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why this cake became my go-to for birthdays, holidays, and even “just because” Tuesday nights.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - detail 1

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle when making this cake—and yes, I’ve learned the hard way that substitutions can change everything! Here’s exactly what you’ll need, broken down so you can prep like a pro:

For the cake:

Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (the good stuff – it makes a difference)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated if you’re feeling fancy)
Wet ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (this means it leaves a slight dent when pressed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (imitation just won’t give you that deep flavor)
2 cups grated apples (about 2 medium Granny Smiths, peeled – trust me, the tartness balances the sweetness perfectly)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but they add wonderful crunch)

For the cream cheese frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (don’t try to shortcut this – cold cream cheese makes lumpy frosting)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Pro tip: I always measure everything before I start mixing – it makes the whole process smoother, especially when the apples start browning if left out too long!

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this spiced apple cake—just a few trusty tools from your kitchen. Here’s what I always grab:

A 9×13-inch baking pan (the classic rectangle works perfectly)
2 mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients, one for wet)
Hand mixer or stand mixer (though a strong arm and whisk work in a pinch!)
Rubber spatula (for scraping every bit of batter)
Box grater (for the apples—just watch those knuckles)
Cooling rack (crucial for preventing a soggy bottom)

That’s it! Now let’s get baking.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Now for the fun part—let’s turn those ingredients into magic! I’ve made this cake so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turns out perfect on the first try.

Preparing the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this is non-negotiable for even baking. While that heats up, whisk together all your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg) in one bowl. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes with a mixer. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla.

Here’s where it gets messy: fold in those gorgeous grated apples and walnuts (if using) with a spatula. The batter will look thick and lumpy—that’s exactly what you want! Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing is the enemy here—a few flour streaks are better than a tough cake.

Baking and Cooling

Pour the batter into your greased 9×13-inch pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes—but start checking at 25 minutes. The cake is done when it’s golden brown, springs back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (no wet batter!).

This next step is crucial: let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting—I’m talking at least an hour. I know it’s tempting, but warm cake melts frosting into a sad, runny mess. Learned that the hard way when my first attempt looked more like a glaze flood!

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until perfectly smooth—no lumps allowed! Gradually add the powdered sugar (about 1/2 cup at a time) to avoid a sugar cloud explosion in your kitchen. Mix in the vanilla last.

When your cake is completely cool, spread that creamy frosting evenly over the top. I like leaving a little “naked” border—it looks rustic and lets people see the moist crumb underneath. Slice, serve, and watch those happy faces when they take the first bite!

Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Spiced Apple Cake

After dozens of batches (and a few hilarious fails), I’ve nailed down the tricks that guarantee apple cake success every time. Here’s what I wish I’d known from the start:

Choose your apples wisely: Firm varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape when baked and give that perfect texture—no mushy cake here. Plus, their tartness balances the sweetness beautifully.
Flour like a pro: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing it down leads to a dry, dense cake (ask me how I know).
Resist overmixing: Stir the batter just until the flour disappears. Those little streaks? They’ll vanish in the oven, leaving you with a tender crumb.
Cool completely: Frosting a warm cake is like putting lipstick on a melting snowman—wait until it’s totally cool to avoid a gooey disaster.
Toast those walnuts: If using nuts, toast them lightly first. It deepens their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.

Follow these, and your cake will be the star of any gathering—just like mine is now!

Variations and Substitutions

This spiced apple cake is wonderfully adaptable—I’ve tweaked it a dozen ways over the years! Swap walnuts for raisins or dried cranberries if you prefer (my aunt adds golden raisins soaked in apple cider—divine). For gluten-free, use a 1:1 flour blend (just add an extra egg for moisture). Dairy-free? Coconut oil replaces butter beautifully, and there are fantastic vegan cream cheese alternatives now. Want more spice? Throw in 1/4 tsp cloves or cardamom. The beauty? Every version still tastes like home.

Serving and Storing Spiced Apple Cake

This cake shines brightest at room temperature—I usually let it sit out for 15 minutes after pulling from the fridge so the frosting softens up beautifully. The cream cheese frosting means you’ll want to refrigerate leftovers (if there are any!), tightly covered, for up to 4 days. Pro tip: revive day-old slices by warming them for 10 seconds in the microwave—just enough to make the spices sing again!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re biting into (because let’s be real—we’re all going back for seconds!), here’s the scoop per slice. Remember: These are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and any tweaks you make. My motto? Enjoy every delicious bite!

Calories: 320
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 14g (8g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g

Not too shabby for a dessert that tastes like a warm hug in cake form, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this spiced apple cake—here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers!

Can I substitute oil for butter in the cake?

You bet! While butter gives richer flavor, vegetable or coconut oil works great for extra moisture. Use 1/3 cup oil for every 1/2 cup butter the recipe calls for. The texture will be slightly springier—my sister actually prefers it this way!

Why did my cake turn out soggy in the middle?

Oh no! Usually this means either the apples were too juicy (always squeeze grated apples in a towel to remove excess liquid) or the cake needed 5 more minutes in the oven. Next time, test doneness near the center—if the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake longer in 3-minute increments.

Can I make this spiced apple cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake 1-2 days in advance, wrap tightly in plastic once cooled, and frost the day you serve it. The flavors actually deepen overnight—just store frosted cake in the fridge. Pro tip: bring it to room temp for 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

My frosting is too runny—help!

Been there! Either the cream cheese/butter was too soft, or you added sugar too fast. Pop the bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up, then beat again. If it’s still loose, add powdered sugar 1 Tbsp at a time until it holds its shape when you lift the beater.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes—but freeze the unfrosted cake only. Wrap cooled cake layers tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost as usual. (Frozen frosting separates weirdly—learned that the messy way!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spiced apple cake isn’t just another dessert—it’s pure comfort in every bite! Here’s why it’s become my most-requested recipe:

Moist texture for days: The grated apples work magic, keeping the cake deliciously tender even after refrigeration.
Warm spices that hug your tastebuds: Cinnamon and nutmeg create that nostalgic “grandma’s kitchen” aroma we all crave.
Foolproof flexibility: Swap nuts, adjust spices, or try different apples—it’s hard to mess up!
Crowd-pleasing charm: Equally perfect for holiday parties or casual weeknight treats.
That frosting: Cream cheese frosting takes it from good to “can I have the recipe?” status.

Go ahead—bake it this weekend and watch how fast it disappears! Tag me when you do—I love seeing your creations. You can find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.