German Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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This German Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of cozy, old‑world German apple spice cake that always disappears fast at potlucks and fall gatherings. It’s incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and loaded with tender apples that melt right into the batter. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finish, making this an easy German apple cake recipe you’ll come back to all season long.

Craving more fall baking? Try these reader‑favorite apple desserts: Easy Dutch Crumble Apple Pie Bars, Salted Caramel Chip Apple Blondies, Easy Homemade Apple Crisp and Easy Applesauce Bars — all perfect for autumn baking days.

Why You’ll Love This German Spiced Apple Cake

If you love cozy fall desserts, this German Spiced Apple Cake is going to be your new obsession. It’s incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and loaded with tender apple chunks and crunchy pecans — everything you want in a classic German apple spice cake. The texture is soft and chewy in all the right ways, and every bite tastes like autumn wrapped in a fork.

And yes… the cream cheese frosting absolutely takes it over the top. It’s creamy, tangy, buttery, and brings out all those cinnamon‑and‑nutmeg flavors even more. You can enjoy the cake without frosting, but honestly? You’d be missing out. Go big. Go frosted.

This is the kind of German apple cake recipe that disappears at potlucks, family gatherings, and fall parties. Serve it as‑is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you want to make your guests swoon.

If you’re on an apple‑dessert kick (and who isn’t this time of year?), you’ll also love:

• Easy Dutch Crumble Apple Pie Bars
• Salted Caramel Chip Apple Blondies
• Easy Homemade Apple Crisp
• Easy Applesauce Bars

Fall baking never tasted so good.

Ingredient Notes for German Spiced Apple Cake

• Apples: Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best. They hold their shape and give this German Spiced Apple Cake its tender apple‑chunk texture.
• Oil: Using oil keeps this German apple spice cake extra moist and chewy. It creates that soft crumb German apple cakes are known for.
• Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes, while granulated sugar keeps the cake balanced and sweet.
• Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring the cozy fall flavor that makes this German apple cake recipe feel nostalgic and comforting.
• Pecans: Pecans add crunch and contrast to the soft apples. Walnuts work too, or you can omit the nuts entirely.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy, buttery frosting transforms this into a true apple cake with cream cheese frosting. It enhances the spices and makes every bite richer.

Ingredients You Need for German Spiced Apple Cake

German Spiced Apple Cake

• eggs
• granulated sugar
• oil of choice I used olive oil, but you can use canola, avocado or vegetable oil
• unsweetened applesauce
• vanilla extract
• all-purpose flour, I used ½ whole wheat flour and ½ all purpose flour
• ground cinnamon
• nutmeg
• baking soda
• salt
• tart apples peeled and very finely chopped or grated (I used Granny Smith, but you could use Gala or any baking apple for that matter)
• chopped pecans or walnuts toasted if preferred

Cream Cheese Frosting

• cream cheese
• butter 
• confectioners’ sugar
• vanilla extract
• salt

Step-By-Step How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.

German Spiced Apple Cake

1. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce and vanilla extract until completely combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt.
3. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir to combine.
4. Fold in apples and pecans or walnuts with a rubber spatula. Spread very thick batter into prepared pan.
5. Bake 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Place cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Beat with electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract, salt and confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Spread on top of cake. Add more pecans or walnuts if you want extra.
4. Store leftovers in refrigerator or serve room temperature.

Storage & Freezing

Store: Cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Because this is an apple cake with cream cheese frosting, chilling keeps the frosting stable and the cake moist.

Serve: Enjoy cold or let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for the softest, chewiest texture.

Freeze: Freeze slices (frosted or unfrosted) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. The apples stay tender and the frosting holds up beautifully.

Substitutions for German Spiced Apple Cake

• No Frosting: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple, classic finish if you prefer it unfrosted.
• Oil Substitute: Swap the oil for applesauce, or use ½ oil + ½ applesauce for a lighter, healthier German apple spice cake.
• Flour Substitute: Use ½ whole wheat flour + ½ all‑purpose flour to add fiber and a slightly heartier texture without drying out the cake.

Toasting Nuts for More Flavor

Toasting pecans or walnuts gives this German Spiced Apple Cake deeper flavor and extra crunch. If your nuts aren’t already toasted, this quick step makes a big difference.

• Spread nuts on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake at 325°F for 5–10 minutes.
• When they’re lightly browned and smell fragrant, they’re ready.
• Let them cool completely before adding them to the batter.

Expert Tips

• Dice apples small – Smaller pieces melt into the batter and give this German Spiced Apple Cake its tender, moist texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake soft and prevent it from becoming dense.
• Use room‑temperature cream cheese – It whips smoother and gives your apple cake with cream cheese frosting a silky, spreadable finish.
• Line your pan with parchment – A parchment sling makes it easy to lift the cake out cleanly for neat slices.
• Cool the cake completely before frosting – Warm cake will melt the frosting and cause it to slide or become greasy.
• Toast the nuts – Toasted pecans or walnuts add deeper flavor and crunch to this German apple spice cake.

FAQ

Can I make this German Spiced Apple Cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and frost it the next day. The flavors deepen overnight.

Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely. Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish — but the frosting really makes this German apple cake recipe shine.

Can I use different apples?

Yes. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or a mix all work well. Avoid very soft apples like McIntosh.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Yes. The cake stays moist and delicious even without pecans or walnuts.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes. Freeze slices (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Make Ahead Instructions

• Bake the cake 1 day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator.
• Frost the next day for the freshest texture.
• You can also make the cream cheese frosting up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it. Let it soften slightly before spreading.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for the softest crumb.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy fall dessert.
• Sprinkle the top with extra toasted pecans for crunch.
• Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for a decadent twist.

In conclusion, this German Spiced Apple Cake is one of those cozy fall desserts that feels right at home at any gathering. The warm spices, tender apples, and rich cream cheese frosting create a comforting, nostalgic flavor that always wins over a crowd. It’s a simple bake with big payoff — the kind of German apple cake recipe that becomes a tradition year after year.

Whether you’re making it for a fall picnic, tailgating, sharing with a neighbor, or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee (my personal favorite), this cake delivers every time. It’s a true fall favorite.

If you’re craving even more apple goodness, don’t miss  45 Must-Try Best Apple Dessert Recipes — packed with reader‑loved treats to keep your autumn baking going strong.

Happy baking! Share your delicious creations on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook!

More Apple Desserts We Love!!

• Swedish Apple Pie (aka Apple Crack)
• Caramel Apple Toffee Cake
• Ultimate Soft Caramel Apple Drop Cookies
• Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
• Awesome Country Apple Fritter Bread!
• 25 Apple-icious Desserts That’ll Tempt You
• Heavenly Baked Apple Dumplings
• Chunky Apple Walnut Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe from Taste of Home