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Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the fruity goodness of apples with the creamy richness of cream cheese frosting. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make this delicious treat:
History:
The history of Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not well-documented, but it likely originated in the United States, where both apples and cream cheese are commonly used in desserts. It’s a variation of traditional apple cakes and has become a favorite in many households.
Components:
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For the Apple Cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of peeled, cored, and diced apples (usually Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Apple Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just incorporated.
- Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
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Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Time Needed:
- Preparing and baking the cake: Approximately 1 hour.
- Cooling the cake: Allow 1-2 hours for it to cool completely.
- Preparing the cream cheese frosting: About 15-20 minutes.
In total, you can expect to spend around 2.5 to 3 hours to prepare and assemble your delicious Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Enjoy! π°ππ§π
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Total Fat: 16-18g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Cholesterol: 55-65mg
- Sodium: 200-250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
Health Information:
- Moderation: Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious treat but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high sugar and fat content.
- Apples: The apples in the cake provide dietary fiber and essential vitamins. They are a good source of antioxidants and can contribute to overall health.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese frosting is high in saturated fat and calories, so it’s advisable to use it sparingly.
- Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
- Balance: Enjoy this dessert as part of a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Nut Allergies: If you have nut allergies, skip the optional nuts in the recipe.
Remember that the actual nutritional content may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used, so it’s a good practice to check packaging labels and use online nutritional calculators for precise information if necessary. Enjoy your Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting as an occasional treat! π°ππ§π
