Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to substitute pecans for walnuts or use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to adapt it to your own tastes and what’s available in your pantry.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. My abuela always said that the secret to a good cake is in the creaming, so take your time here.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a gentle hand makes for a tender cake.
- Fold in the diced apples and walnuts, if using. This is where the cake starts to come alive, with those apple chunks peeking through the batter like little gems.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will be filled with the heavenly scent of apples and spices.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve to your loved ones, watching their faces light up with the first bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International