There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of tender apples, silky cream, and aromatic spices baked into a moist, golden cake. Apple cream cake is the kind of dessert that blends rustic charm with bakery-level indulgence, ideal for both festive occasions and everyday comfort food.
This in-depth guide covers everything from ingredients and baking techniques to storage, serving suggestions, and FAQs, all optimized for search engine readability and user experience.
Table of Contents
What Is Apple Cream Cake?
Apple cream cake is a rich, moist cake that incorporates layers of spiced apples and a creamy component—typically sour cream, whipped cream, or cream cheese—either baked into the batter or added as a topping. It’s a dessert that brings together the best of apple pie, coffee cake, and cheesecake, all in one bite.
Not sure which apples to use? Refer to the Apple Varieties Guide by the US Apple Association to choose apples that retain structure and balance sweetness when baked.
Key Ingredients
Getting the balance of flavor and texture right starts with choosing the right ingredients:
- Apples – Use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a firm, tart bite.
- Cream Component – Choose from sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream for richness.
- Cake Base – Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking powder form the foundation.
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract provide warm, cozy notes.
- Optional Add-ins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Raisins
- Caramel drizzle
Want your whipped cream layer to hold up perfectly? Follow this guide to whipped cream from Serious Eats for tips on stability and flavor.
How to Make Apple Cream Cake
Here’s a simple, step-by-step overview to help you make your own homemade apple cream cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and thinly slice apples.
- Toss them in a bowl with a bit of lemon juice and cinnamon to prevent browning and add flavor.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Layer
- For sour cream or cream cheese: mix with sugar and a bit of vanilla.
- For whipped cream: whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, optionally adding powdered sugar for sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half the batter into a greased pan.
- Add a layer of apples and spoon over some of the cream mixture.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by any remaining apples and cream.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes.
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts.
Variations to Try
Looking to change it up? Try these delicious variations:
- Gluten-Free Version – Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Vegan Version – Use coconut cream and flax eggs; replace dairy with almond or oat-based alternatives.
- Caramel Apple Twist – Use caramelized apple slices for added depth.
- Bundt Cake Format – Pour batter into a bundt pan for an elegant presentation.
If you’re a fan of moist, spiced cakes, you might also enjoy this award-winning Blue Ribbon Carrot Cake for another comforting dessert option.
Storage and Shelf Life
Due to its cream-based layer, proper storage is essential for freshness and safety.
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in a 300°F oven or microwave for a few seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream layer from separating.
Serving Suggestions
Apple cream cake pairs beautifully with a wide range of beverages and garnishes:
Beverage Pairings
- Black coffee or spiced chai
- Hot apple cider during autumn
- Sweet Riesling or sparkling wine for celebrations
Garnishes
- Fresh apple slices
- Cinnamon sugar dusting
- Toasted walnuts or pecans
Tips for Success
Use these expert tips to make sure your cake turns out perfectly:
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake soft and prevents toughness.
- Flour the apple slices lightly to keep them from sinking.
- Let the cake cool before slicing to keep layers intact.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Slice)
Approximate values for a standard slice:
- Calories – 320
- Total Fat – 16g
- Carbohydrates – 38g
- Sugar – 22g
- Protein – 4g
Want a lighter option? Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use half the sugar.
When to Serve Apple Cream Cake
This cake suits a wide variety of gatherings:
- Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Baby showers or bridal teas
- Fall bake sales or potlucks
It’s versatile enough to dress up for formal occasions or enjoy with a simple cup of tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What apples are best for baking?
A: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold up well during baking and provide balance against the sweetness.
Q: Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
A: Yes, but reduce the added sugar in your batter. Canned fillings are often pre-sweetened and spiced.
Q: Does this cake need refrigeration?
A: Yes. Because of the cream content, it should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Q: Why does my cake sink in the middle?
A: Overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too early are common causes. Also, underbaking can lead to a dense center.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Absolutely. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it covered in the fridge overnight.
Final Thoughts
With its soft apple slices, creamy layers, and fragrant spices, apple cream cake is a dessert that delivers both comfort and sophistication. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or as a weeknight treat, this cake will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Now it’s your turn to try it. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the scent of apples and cinnamon fill your kitchen.
Apple Cream Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
For the Apples:
2 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
For the Cream Topping (Optional Layer):
1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
Prepare the apples by tossing thin slices in lemon juice and cinnamon. Set aside.
Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed—do not overmix.
Layer the cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer half the apples, then spread the cream mixture if using. Add remaining batter and top with the rest of the apples.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before slicing. Garnish with powdered sugar or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- You can caramelize apples beforehand for a deeper flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper and foil for up to 2 months.
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