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apple butter cake squares - featured image

Homemade Apple Butter Cake Squares with Easy Creamy Frosting

  • Author: Ananya Patel
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 squares 1x

Description

These cozy apple butter cake squares are moist, spiced, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings, bake sales, or a comforting homemade treat any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup apple butter (preferably no added sugar)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for frosting consistency)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top (optional)
  • Drizzle of caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line with parchment paper for easy removal. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add apple butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in two batches, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently.
  6. Fold in nuts if using.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then lift out with parchment and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.
  9. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  10. Spread frosting over cooled cake. Sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle caramel if desired.
  11. Cut into squares (12 or 16 pieces) and serve.

Notes

For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and vegan substitutes for butter, cream cheese, and milk. Start checking cake at 28 minutes to avoid overbaking. Frost only when cake is fully cooled. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Adjust spices based on your apple butter’s flavor.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (1/16 of cake)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 21
  • Sodium: 150
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 34
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 2

Keywords: apple butter cake, cake squares, creamy frosting, autumn dessert, easy baking, comfort food, nut-free option, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

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Find it online: https://tastori.com/homemade-apple-butter-cake-squares-recipe-easy-creamy-frosting/