Fresh Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Icing

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful apple cake with warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts, topped with creamy cheese icing—perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family desserts.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups apples, diced
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup salad oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 4 oz Philadelphia cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup melted oleo
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, salad oil, well-beaten eggs, and vanilla; add the diced apples.
  2. Sift together flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt; add to the apple mixture and mix thoroughly, resulting in a thick batter.
  3. Stir in chopped nuts.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8 x 8-inch square pan, loaf pan, or Bundt pan.
  5. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Optional: Add up to 3/4 cup raisins to the batter before baking.
  7. Prepare cream cheese icing by blending Philadelphia cream cheese, melted oleo, and vanilla, then spread over cooled cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the oil. If you're looking for a nut-free option, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds for added crunch. Always use freshly grated cinnamon for the best flavor. This cake can also be made with gluten-free flour for those following vegetarian recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with * No Frost Oatmeal Cake * for a sweet treat platter. Enhance your serving by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through. The cream cheese icing can also be refrigerated separately.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fresh Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Icing contains roughly 658 calories, with 6g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

658 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 34.1g 44% DV
Carbs 67.4g 25% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 21.2g 42% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 520.2mg 23% DV
Potassium 483.8mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 4.7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.6mcg
Vitamin C 24.9mg 28% DV
Calcium 143.9mg 11% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any variety of apple that you enjoy. Tart apples like Granny Smith will add a nice contrast to the sweetness, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will make the cake even sweeter.

Is it necessary to peel the apples before dicing them?

Peeling the apples is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients to the cake. If you prefer a smoother cake, peel the apples before dicing.

How can I make this cake more festive for a holiday gathering?

To make it more festive, consider adding spices like nutmeg or allspice to the batter. You could also incorporate cranberries or chopped dates into the mix for a seasonal twist. Serve it alongside a warm beverage for a cozy dessert.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →