John's Three Layer Apple Cake

Indulge in the irresistible charm of John’s Three Layer Apple Cake, a show-stopping dessert that combines tender, spiced apple-studded layers with a luscious cream cheese cinnamon frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, this decadent cake is infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a cozy, homemade flavor. The finely diced apples ensure every bite is moist and packed with fruity sweetness, while the tangy buttermilk adds depth to the batter. The three layers are elegantly frosted with a silky, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese frosting, making this cake as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it as a centerpiece dessert at your next event, and watch it quickly become a crowd favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Brown sugar (packed)
• 4 large Eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1.25 cups Buttermilk
• 2.5 cups Apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced, about 3 large apples)
• 1 cup Unsalted butter (for frosting, softened)
• 8 ounces Cream cheese (for frosting, softened)
• 4 cups Powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons Heavy cream (for frosting, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6

Gently fold in the diced apples using a rubber spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 7

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 9

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks. Remove the parchment paper and let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 10

To make the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 11

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Mix in the ground cinnamon. If the frosting is too thick, add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 12

Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, covering the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 13

Decorate as desired. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Step 14

Slice and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3254.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10458.0

Total Fat 501.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 303.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 2087.9mg	0%
Sodium 4591.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1425.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.0g	0%
Total Sugars 1121.6g
Protein 94.8g	0%

Vitamin D 589.3IU	0%
Calcium 1111.2mg	0%
Iron 23.9mg	0%
Potassium 2421.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.6%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 53.8%