Embrace the flavors of fall with this scrumptious Apple Pumpkin Cake, where the warmth of pumpkin meets the sweetness of apples in a delightful harmony. Perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or as a treat for yourself, this cake brings a comforting blend of seasonal spices and moist, tender crumb. Get ready to savor the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 🎃
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped 🍎
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Pumpkin:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare Apple Filling:
- In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook until the apples are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spread half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared baking pan. Spoon the apple filling evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it to cover the apples.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Frost and Garnish:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice the Apple Pumpkin Cake into squares and savor the autumn bliss in each moist and flavorful bite.
The delicious Apple Pumpkin Cake will elevate your fall baking; it’s a symphony of sweetness and spice, a celebration of seasonal flavors. This cake perfectly captures the essence of autumn and is sure to be a hit with family and friends, whether it is served for gatherings or as a cozy afternoon treat. 🍎🎃🍰✨