Martha Stewart Apple Layer Cake

This Martha Stewart apple layer cake is a moist and warmly spiced recipe, which includes fresh apples and a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, perfect for fall celebrations or special gatherings.

Martha Stewart Apple Layer Cake Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pans
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups packed light-brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled (2 coarsely grated, 2 sliced)

Frosting:

• 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 pounds (three 8-ounce bars) cream cheese, room temperature
• 5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 pinches kosher salt
• Apple chips, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Martha Stewart Apple Layer Cake

1. Preheat and prep pans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter three 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment. Butter and flour the parchment, tapping out excess.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Fold in grated and sliced apples.
4. Make the batter: Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
5. Bake and cool: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 20 minutes, then invert onto wire racks. Remove parchment, flip again, and let cool completely.
6. Make the frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add cream cheese and beat 2 more minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar and salt; beat 5 minutes until light and creamy.
7. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread about 1 cup of frosting over it. Repeat with the second layer and another cup of frosting. Top with the third layer and spread remaining frosting over the top and sides.
8. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 days). Let come to room temperature before serving. Garnish with apple chips if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make the cake layers ahead of time? Yes, bake them a day in advance and store tightly wrapped at room temperature.
• How do I keep the apples from browning? Grate and slice them just before mixing into the batter.
• Best frosting tip: Beat the cream cheese and butter until completely smooth before adding sugar for a lump-free finish.
• Can I use different apples? Yes, Honeycrisp or Fuji can work, but Granny Smith’s tartness balances the sweetness best.
• How to slice cleanly: Use a serrated knife and clean it between cuts.

What To Serve With Apple Layer Cake

This festive cake pairs well with warm drinks or creamy accompaniments:

• Chai tea or hot apple cider
• Vanilla ice cream
• Salted caramel drizzle
• Candied pecans or walnuts on the side
• Whipped cream

How To Store Apple Layer Cake

Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let come to room temperature before serving.

Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready.

Apple Layer Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~540 per slice
• Fat: ~33g
• Carbohydrates: ~60g
• Sugar: ~45g
• Protein: ~5g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting?
Yes, but homemade gives better flavor and texture.

Can I bake this in two pans instead of three?
Yes, but extend the baking time slightly and test with a toothpick.

Can I reduce the sugar in the cake?
You can reduce by 1/4 cup, but it may slightly alter texture and moisture.

How do I keep the cake moist?
Don’t overbake and store it tightly wrapped.

Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, try maple buttercream or cinnamon whipped frosting for variety.

Try More Recipes:

• Martha Stewart Apple Honey Upside Down Cake
• Martha Stewart Apple Crumb Cake
• Martha Stewart Apple Coffee Cake