Description
This moist and flavorful Apple Butter Cake combines the rich sweetness of apple butter with warm spices, creating a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2/3 cup butter
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups apple butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon apple pie seasoning (to taste)
Frosting (Optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups powdered icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Milk or cream (if desired, to thin)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the correct baking temperature before preparing the cake batter.
- Prepare Cake Pan: Grease and line a 9″ x 13″ cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote easy removal of the cake after baking. Set the pan aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the apple butter and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Beat the mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and apple pie seasoning to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly but gently. Then add the remaining dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Transfer to Pan: Fold the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare Frosting (Optional): While the cake cools, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, and powdered icing sugar together for about 2 minutes until the frosting is completely smooth. Add vanilla extract and stir. Add milk or cream gradually to thin the frosting to your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the vanilla cream cheese frosting evenly over the top for a rich, creamy finish.
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother batter and frosting.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and apple pie seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- If you prefer, you can omit the frosting for a simpler cake or replace it with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
