Irresistible Fresh Apple Cake with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

The first time I baked a fresh apple cake, the aroma of cinnamon and sweet apples filled my kitchen, instantly reminding me why I love creating simple, family-friendly dishes. Over the years, I’ve perfected this old-fashioned fresh apple cake recipe to be moist, easy, and customizable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this fresh apple cake with cream cheese frosting brings comfort and joy to every table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate fresh apple cake, this recipe is a must-try. Bursting with juicy, tender apples and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, this old-fashioned fresh apple cake is both comforting and irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions, it’s quick to prepare yet full of flavor. With easy apple cake recipes like this, you’ll enjoy a moist apple cake made from fresh apples every time. The combination of natural sweetness from fresh apples and soft, spiced cake makes this fresh apple cake a standout dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re baking an old-fashioned fresh apple cake for the first time or perfecting your technique, this recipe delivers a simple, customizable treat that your whole family will love. It’s one of the best apple cake recipes ever—easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Creating a fresh apple cake that’s moist, flavorful, and tender starts with the right ingredients. Using fresh apples ensures natural sweetness and a juicy texture that makes every bite irresistible. A combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of baking soda gives the cake a perfect rise, while cinnamon and nutmeg add that warm, cozy flavor. Butter and sugar provide richness and sweetness, and yogurt or sour cream keeps the cake soft and moist. Eggs and vanilla enhance the structure and aroma, and optional nuts give a delightful crunch. This old-fashioned fresh apple cake recipe balances simple ingredients to create a dessert that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. Each ingredient works together to make a moist apple cake with fresh apples that everyone will love, whether for casual family nights or holiday celebrations.

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan):

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
2 cups peeled and chopped fresh apples (about 2 medium apples)
Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

How to Make This Recipe

Making the perfect fresh apple cake is easier than you might think. This old-fashioned fresh apple cake recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a moist apple cake that’s bursting with flavor. Using fresh apples ensures natural sweetness and juiciness, while classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevate this easy apple cake with fresh apples to a truly comforting dessert. Whether you’re aiming for the best apple cake recipe ever or experimenting with variations like an apple bundt cake or French apple cake, this all in one apple cake method guarantees success. From old-fashioned grated apple cake to easy apple cake recipes with few ingredients, each step is designed to produce a tender, flavorful fresh apple cake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe balances simplicity and taste, making it one of the most satisfying fresh apple cake recipes you’ll ever try.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
In another bowl, cream ½ cup softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ cup yogurt or sour cream.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in 2 cups peeled and chopped fresh apples and optional ½ cup chopped nuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before adding cream cheese frosting or serving.
Enjoy one of the best apple cake recipes ever, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect fresh apple cake requires more than just following a recipe—it’s about understanding how each ingredient works to produce a moist, flavorful dessert. For old-fashioned fresh apple cake recipes, using fresh, crisp apples ensures natural sweetness and juiciness, while proper creaming of butter and sugar gives the cake a tender texture. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg elevate every bite, making this easy apple cake with fresh apples irresistible. Whether you’re baking an old-fashioned grated apple cake, experimenting with apple bundt cake variations, or perfecting the best apple cake recipe ever, these tips help you achieve a moist apple cake every time. Incorporating yogurt or sour cream keeps your cake soft, while gentle folding preserves the texture in all in one apple cake recipes. Following these expert techniques ensures your fresh apple cake recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use fresh, firm apples for the best flavor and texture.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy for a tender cake.
Fold ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, ensuring a moist apple cake recipe.
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor of any old-fashioned fresh apple cake recipe.
Yogurt or sour cream keeps your easy apple cake with fresh apples soft and moist.
Optional nuts add crunch to old-fashioned grated apple cake or apple bundt cake variations.
Check doneness with a toothpick to prevent overbaking your fresh apple cake recipes.
Experiment with different apple varieties to customize your all in one apple cake.
For richer flavor, try the best apple cake recipe ever with oil instead of butter.

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This fresh apple cake recipe is truly one of the best apple cake recipes ever, combining tender, moist cake with the natural sweetness of fresh apples. From old-fashioned fresh apple cake recipes to easy apple cake with fresh apples, every variation delivers rich flavor and comforting texture. Whether you try an all in one apple cake, old-fashioned grated apple cake, or explore apple bundt cake or French apple cake styles, these fresh apple cake recipes are perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simple weeknight treats. By following easy apple cake recipes with few ingredients or the old-fashioned fresh apple cake recipe Pioneer Woman style, you’ll enjoy a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. For a twist, the best apple cake recipe ever with oil adds extra richness, ensuring your fresh apple cake is unforgettable every time. These recipes bring classic flavors and effortless baking together, making fresh apple cake a go-to dessert in any kitchen.

Fresh Apple Cake

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A tender, spiced cake packed with fresh apple chunks, perfect for fall baking or a comforting dessert any time of year. Lightly sweet and naturally moist from the fruit, it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream

• 2 cups peeled and chopped fresh apples (about 2 medium apples)

• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Cream Butter & Sugars:

   • In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla:

   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

5. Incorporate Yogurt & Dry Ingredients:

   • Mix in yogurt, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

6. Add Apples & Nuts:

   • Gently fold in chopped apples and nuts (if using).

7. Bake:

   • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

   • Bake for 40–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool & Serve:

   • Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

   • Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar.

Notes

• Apple Varieties: Use sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for the best flavor.
• Moisture Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
• Flavor Twist: Add ½ teaspoon ginger or allspice for extra spice depth.
• Make-Ahead: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Cake
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American