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Homemade Apple Butter Layered Snack Cake photo

Apple Butter Layered Snack Cake

This Apple Butter Layered Snack Cake is moist, spiced, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting—perfect for cozy treats anytime!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 1 cup cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Two 8-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Knife or cake leveler
  • Offset spatula or butter knife

Method
 

Prepare Cake Pans
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Cream Butter and Sugar
  1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
  1. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
  1. Add the dry ingredient mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined.
Add Apple Butter and Walnuts
  1. Gently fold in the apple butter and chopped walnuts, if using.
Bake Cake Layers
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting
  1. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Cake
  1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
Chill and Serve
  1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set nicely. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  • Omit walnuts or substitute with seeds for a nut-free version.
  • Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and milk substitutes to make this cake vegan-friendly.
  • Reduce sugar amounts to lower the sweetness if desired.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.