First I have to say happy birthday to my momma! Because of her I grew up learning to bake in the kitchen and now make amazing cakes like this one today which I dedicate to her!
We LOVED this cake! It was so good and pretty and just all around perfect for the season!
Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
(Adapted from Bake or Break)
FOR THE CAKE:
2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk
2 medium apples, finely chopped
FOR THE FROSTING:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature*
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped toasted nuts, for garnish
TO MAKE THE CAKE:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. Butter the paper.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla.
Add the flour in 3 portions, alternating with 2 portions of milk. Mix just until combined.
Stir in the apples.
Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth evenly.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes. Then, flip the cakes on wire racks, remove the parchment paper, and allow to cool.
TO MAKE THE FROSTING:
Place the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until combined and smooth.
Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth.
Add the cinnamon and vanilla, and mix well.
Place one cake layer on a cake plate. Spread half of the frosting over the top of the cake.
Place the other cake layer on top of the frosted cake layer. Spread the remainder of the frosting on top of the cake.
If desired, garnish the top of the cake with chopped toasted nuts.
