As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, there’s no dessert quite like a Chunky Apple Cake to capture the essence of autumn. This cake, studded with slices of tart Granny Smith apples and optional toasted walnuts, brings a delightful texture and depth of flavor that’s further enhanced by a luscious cream cheese frosting. Each bite melds the spiced, moist cake with rich, creamy topping, making it a perfect treat for cozy gatherings or a family dessert.
A Simple Delight Packed with Flavor
This Chunky Apple Cake recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something incredibly comforting and delicious. The inclusion of both white and brown sugars adds a lovely caramel undertone to the cake, which pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and tartness of the apples. Whether you choose to add the walnuts or not, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser, serving up the flavors of fall in every slice.
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Serving: Serves 12-15
- Equipment: 9×13 baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer
Recipe Title: Hearty Chunky Apple Cake with Velvety Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (whole wheat could be substituted)
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well incorporated. Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until the batter is thick and blended. Fold in the sliced apples and half of the walnuts, if using.
- Bake the Cake:
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and creamy.
- Frost and Finish:
- Once the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining toasted walnuts, if desired.
Enjoy Your Delicious Creation
This Chunky Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting experience that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. Whether you’re serving it at a festive autumn gathering or enjoying a slice as a treat after a long day, this cake is sure to warm hearts and satisfy sweet tooths.
