Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
  • 2 tsp (10g) ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp (2g) ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp (3g) salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (450g) peeled and diced apples
  • 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
  2. Peel and dice apples into small, uniform cubes. In a small bowl, toss the apple chunks with 2 tablespoons of flour until evenly coated; set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar for 3-5 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
  7. Gently fold in the floured apples using a spatula.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center springs back when pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Let the cake cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting.