Cake Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ teaspoons baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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1½ cups vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
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3 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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3 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well)
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1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but highly recommended)
🧁 Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
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8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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3½–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans if you want a layer cake).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Cinnamon
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Nutmeg (if using)
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3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
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In another bowl, beat together:
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Oil
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine and Fold:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until combined.
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Fold in chopped apples and nuts.
5. Bake:
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Pour batter into prepared pan.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
6. Make Cream Cheese Frosting:
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In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
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Add powdered sugar a cup at a time, mixing well.
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Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
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Beat until light and fluffy. Add more sugar if needed for consistency.
7. Frost & Serve:
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Spread frosting over cooled cake.
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Garnish with extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon (optional).
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Slice and enjoy!
✅ Tips:
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For extra flavor, soak chopped apples in a little lemon juice and cinnamon before folding them in.
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You can make this as a Bundt cake too — just skip the frosting or drizzle with a glaze.
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Store covered at room temp for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.