This Easy Cream Cheese Apple Cake is soft, moist, and filled with tender pieces of fresh apple in every bite. Cream cheese gives the cake a rich, tender texture, while a cinnamon brown sugar and pecan topping adds a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.
It’s an easy homemade cake that works perfectly for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon coffee break, or a simple fall dessert. It tastes wonderful slightly warm, but it’s just as good after it has cooled and the apple and cinnamon flavors have had time to settle.
Easy Cream Cheese Apple Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue beating for about 2 minutes, until light and well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix just until no dry flour remains.
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Variations
Apple Walnut Cake: Replace the pecans with chopped walnuts.
Nut-Free: Leave out the pecans and use only the cinnamon brown sugar topping.
Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake just before serving.
Extra Cinnamon: Add another ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a warmer spice flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe makes about 12 generous pieces. Serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a little whipped cream. You can also warm individual pieces for a few seconds before serving—the apples soften and the cinnamon pecan topping becomes especially fragrant.
Tips
- Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature before mixing.
- Peel the apples for the softest cake texture.
- Dice the apples fairly small and evenly.
- Avoid overmixing after adding the flour.
- Spread the apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Check the center before removing the cake from the oven.
- Let the cake cool slightly before cutting for cleaner slices.
Storage
- Because this cake contains cream cheese, store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Let individual slices come closer to room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in the microwave.
- The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months when wrapped tightly.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
Serves 12 people (12 generous cake squares).
For a party, brunch, or dessert table with several other dishes, you can cut the cake into 15 smaller pieces.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 245mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cream cheese do in apple cake?
Cream cheese adds richness and moisture while helping create a soft, tender crumb. It also gives the cake a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar topping.
What apples are best for Cream Cheese Apple Cake?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Braeburn are all good choices. You can also combine a tart apple with a sweeter variety for a more balanced apple flavor.
Can I make this cake without pecans?
Yes. Simply leave them out. The cinnamon and brown sugar will still create a flavorful topping without the nuts.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for this cake because it creates a softer texture. However, you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic cake.
Can I make Cream Cheese Apple Cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake it a day ahead and refrigerate it once completely cooled. Bring it closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze Cream Cheese Apple Cake?
Yes. Cut the cooled cake into individual portions, wrap them well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
