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Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Caramel Pecan Frosting

This delicious apple cake features a creamy filling and a rich caramel pecan frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple, Cake, Cream Cheese
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • Electric Mixer
  • Bundt Pan
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 1 package cream cheese, softened (8-oz.)
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Cake Batter

  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup canola oil
  • 3/4 cup applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 1 1/2 lb.)

Caramel Pecan Frosting

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup pecan halves (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended and smooth. Add egg, flour, and vanilla; beat just until blended.
  • Prepare Batter: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Bake pecans in a shallow pan for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Stir together 3 cups flour and the next 7 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in eggs, canola oil, applesauce, and vanilla, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in apples and toasted pecans.
  • Spoon two-thirds of the apple mixture into a greased and floured 14-cup Bundt pan. Spoon Cream Cheese Filling over the apple mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around edges of pan. Swirl filling through apple mixture using a paring knife. Spoon remaining apple mixture over Cream Cheese Filling.
  • Bake at 350ºF for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely (about 2 hours).
  • Prepare Frosting: Bring brown sugar, butter, and milk to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly; boil for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth; stir gently for 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture begins to cool and thickens slightly. Pour immediately over cooled cake. Garnish with pecans.

Notes

For best results, use fresh apples and ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.