This Apple Cream Cheese Swirl Cake offers a delightful twist on classic apple cake recipes, combining tender cake with a creamy, spiced swirl. You’ll love how easy it is to create this impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich swirl.
- All-Purpose Flour: A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be used for a gluten-friendly option.
- Granulated Sugar: Can be reduced slightly if your apples are very sweet.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth; pumpkin pie spice can be substituted.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 380
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s ready for your apple cake. This prevents sticking and helps your cake release beautifully.
2. Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside. Combining these ensures an even distribution of leavening agents in your apple cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a foundational texture for your apple cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in the diced apples to evenly distribute them throughout the apple cake batter.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg yolk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. This rich and creamy mixture will be swirled into your apple cake.
6. Assemble the Cake
Pour about two-thirds of the apple cake batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese into the apple cake batter, creating beautiful patterns. Top with the remaining apple cake batter and gently spread.
7. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake. This adds a lovely crunch and spiced aroma to your apple cake.
8. Bake Your Apple Cream Cheese Swirl Cake
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious apple cake creation!
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for extra texture.
- Caramel Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with a warm caramel sauce for an extra treat.
- Spiced Apples: Toss diced apples with an extra ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice before folding into the batter for more depth of flavor in your apple cake.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Apple Cream Cheese Swirl Cake tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days due to the cream cheese. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use other firm apples like Fuji or Gala, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the best balance of tartness and texture for apple cake recipes.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a ½ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using in your apple cake.
- Can this be made in a different size pan?
A 9×9 inch square pan will work, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly and check for doneness.
- How do I prevent the apples from sinking?
Toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter; this helps them suspend in the apple cake.
- Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake (without any caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Why is my cream cheese swirl runny?
Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for a smooth, thick swirl in your apple cake.