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Cozy Chai Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A warm and inviting chai spiced apple cake featuring tender apple chunks and a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for cozy gatherings and comforting moments.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Mix in the plain yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula just until combined.
  8. Carefully fold the spiced apple mixture into the batter, distributing evenly but gently.
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  10. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 35 minutes.
  11. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  13. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until light and fluffy.
  14. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or knife.
  15. Slice and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for tartness and firm texture. Do not overmix batter to avoid toughness. Frost only when cake is completely cool to prevent melting. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use coconut yogurt. Gluten-free flour can be used but may alter texture and baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: chai spiced apple cake, apple cake, cream cheese frosting, chai spices, autumn dessert, cozy cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-chai-spiced-apple-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cream-cheese-frosting/