Fresh Apple Cake

Name: Fresh Apple Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 1 9x9-inch cake (Serves 12)
Ingredients: ¾ cup walnut halves; 1 ⅔ cups white whole wheat flour; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 cups peeled and ¼-inch-chopped apples; 6 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup powdered sugar

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Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings
1 9x9-inch cake (Serves 12)
Calories
321 kcal
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
American

Fresh Apple Cake

Iris Warren

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This moist fresh apple cake is easy to make and impossible to resist—especially with caramel cream cheese frosting slathered on top!

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Ingredients

Servings

For the Apple Cake:

¾ cup walnut halves
1 ⅔ cups white whole wheat flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups peeled and ¼-inch-chopped apples about 2 medium apples—choose a firm, flavorful variety such as Granny Smith, Fuji, McIntosh, or Cortland

For the Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting:

6 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese at room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Place the rack in the center of your oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper so that it overhangs two of the sides like handles. Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick spray. Set aside. Place the nuts in a single layer on an ungreased baking pan. Bake until toasted and fragrant, about 8 to 12 minutes. Do not walk away during the last few minutes (this is when nuts love to burn). Immediately transfer to a cutting board. Coarsely chop and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, stopping in between each to scrape down the bowl. Beat in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract. With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing just until evenly moistened. Fold in the apples and 1/2 cup of the toasted chopped walnuts. The batter will be very thick.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and with the back of a spatula, spread it evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are light golden brown, about 35 to 45 minutes. The baking time will vary depending upon the moisture content of your apples. The center of the cake will still feel soft but should spring back just a little when touched. Check at the 35-minute mark. If your cake isn't done but the top is browning more quickly than you would like, loosely tent it with foil, then continue baking as directed. When it's done, place the pan on a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting: In a mixing bowl or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar at medium speed until creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and salt and beat until blended. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating just until combined. Increase the mixer speed to high. Beat 1 additional minute or until smooth. Spread the frosting generously onto the cooled cake. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the top. Slice generously and serve.

Notes

TO STORE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. (I find it tastes even better and more moist on day two! Let come close to room temperature prior to serving.)
TO FREEZE: Freeze (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 1 month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Information

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Serving 1slice (of 12) Calories 321kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 37g (12%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 62mg (21%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 25g (50%)