Apple Pecan Spice Cake
A delightful dessert combining the flavors of apples, spices, and nuts, topped with a rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 4 cups chopped Granny Smith apples Use firm, tart apples for best results.
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large lightly beaten eggs Room temperature eggs work best.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Add more for extra flavor.
- 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 Use whole milk for creaminess.
- 1 cup roughly chopped pecans Toast for enhanced flavor, if desired.
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese Ensure it's softened for easy mixing.
- ¼ cup softened salted butter Can use unsalted butter if preferred.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup light brown sugar Packed for optimal sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9 x 13 x 1-inch baking sheet by spraying with nonstick cooking spray and lightly dusting with flour.
- In a large bowl, mix together chopped Granny Smith apples and granulated sugar. Add vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the apple mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in milk and fold in chopped pecans.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and softened butter until creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.
Notes
For added texture, consider toasting the pecans before incorporating them into the batter. If desired, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.