Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
User Reviews
5
Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
The Apple Pecan Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is characterized by its use of fresh chopped Granny Smith apples and roughly chopped pecans mixed into a spiced batter containing cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda for leavening. The cake is baked until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating a tender and fully cooked interior. The combination of tart apples and warm spices lends moisture and depth to the crumb. Once cooled, it is topped with a smooth frosting made by beating cream cheese with butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to create a rich and slightly caramelized complement. The contrast of the creamy frosting and the spiced, fruity cake yields a layered dessert ideal for fall gatherings or special occasions.
The texture of the cake is enhanced by the pecans, offering occasional crunch amid the tender apple pieces. The brown sugar in the frosting introduces a mild molasses flavor that offsets the tanginess of the cream cheese. The cake works well served sliced as a dessert or alongside tea or coffee.
The recipe requires cooling the cake fully before frosting to prevent melting. The use of room temperature cream cheese and softened butter ensures a smooth, spreadable frosting. The cake should be stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Ingredients
Apple Pecan Spice Cake
- 4 cups apple Granny Smith, chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup pecans roughly chopped
Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup butter softened, salted
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13 x 1-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray, then lightly dust with flour. Tap out the excess flour and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups chopped Granny Smith apples and 2 cups granulated sugar. Stir in ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 lightly beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- In a medium bowl combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the apple mixture and mix to combine. Add ½ cup milk and stir until just combined. Add 1 cup roughly chopped pecans and stir until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let the cake cool completely.
Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- Add 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer on high speed until smooth. Add ¼ cup softened salted butter and beat until smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure it is incorporated evenly.
- Add 2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 cup light brown sugar. Beat for 5 minutes on medium-high speed, until it is light and fluffy and the sugar has dissolved.
- Spread the frosting evenly on top of the cooled cake. Refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 18Slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 369 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 369kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 39mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 234mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 165mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 38g | 76% |
| Vitamin A | 304IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 64mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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