If you adore rustic flavors with a cozy, comforting twist, this Sourdough Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining the tangy depth of sourdough starter with the natural sweetness of grated apples and warm spices, this cake offers a uniquely moist texture and irresistible aroma. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly balanced in sweetness, it’s a showstopper dessert that feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a heartfelt treat, this recipe brings both warmth and a touch of old-fashioned charm to your table.

A single square piece of moist brown cake with a light, slightly crumbly texture forms the bottom layer, topped by a thick, smooth layer of creamy white frosting spread evenly across the surface. The cake is placed on a white plate decorated with a delicate floral pattern around the edge. The background is softly blurred with a green apple shape visible in the upper part, and everything sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake lies in its simplicity and the harmony between each ingredient. Each item on the list plays a crucial role in achieving that tender crumb, spiced richness, and creamy topping that make this recipe unforgettable.

½ cup butter (unsalted): Provides richness and a tender crumb while controlling salt levels.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds softness without overpowering flavor.
1½ cups sugar: Sweetness that balances the tang of sourdough and spices.
3 eggs: Adds structure, moisture, and richness to the batter.
¼ cup molasses: Imparts a deep, slightly smoky sweetness and gorgeous color.
¼ cup boiled cider: Enhances the apple flavor with a subtle fruity tang.
2½ cups flour: The cake’s foundation, for structure and texture.
1 tablespoon powdered ginger: Adds a warm, zingy spice note.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: Classic apple spice for familiar comfort.
½ teaspoon cloves: Provides a cozy, warming depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon allspice: A subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon complexity.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance sweetness and highlight flavors.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with sourdough for perfect leavening.
2 medium apples (grated): Adds natural moisture, sweetness, and texture.
1 cup sourdough starter (discard/unfed state): Brings tang and tenderizes the crumb while adding character.
8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): For a rich, smooth frosting base.
8 tablespoons butter (melted): Adds silkiness and flavor to the frosting.
6 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates that perfect fluffy texture.
Pinch salt: Balances the frosting’s sweetness and brightens flavors.

How to Make Sourdough Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center. Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan thoroughly using non-stick baking spray. This step ensures your cake will bake evenly and release perfectly without a crumb fight.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs on medium-high speed for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want the mix to become fluffy and lightened in color – this aeration helps create that lovely tender crumb. Then, stir in the molasses and boiled cider until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mixing the dry spices well ensures every bite packs a warm, even flavor punch. Once combined, add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Step 4: Gently Bring it All Together

Using a hand whisk or your mixer on low speed, fold in the dry mix just until it disappears into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix here; overworking the batter will make the cake tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Add Apples and Sourdough Starter

Now stir in the grated apples and sourdough starter by hand, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The grated apples hydrate the batter naturally, and the sourdough starter adds a unique tanginess and moistness that you just can’t get from yeast alone.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a rack – about an hour at room temperature.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, beating well between each addition, until your frosting is fluffy and luscious. Don’t forget a pinch of salt to brighten all the flavors.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread that dreamy cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Serve it straight from the pan for a rustic feel or transfer it to a beautiful platter for a more formal presentation. Either way, the sweet-tart balance and rich cream cheese topping make this cake irresistible.

How to Serve Sourdough Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A single square piece of cake with two visible layers sits at the center of a white plate with a delicate floral pattern and a golden orange border. The bottom layer is a soft brown crumb base with a slightly rough texture, while the top layer is thick, smooth, and creamy off-white frosting spread evenly but with subtle swirls. A silver fork lies partly on the plate behind the cake. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few toasted chopped walnuts or pecans on top for crunch and nutty aroma, or add a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar to highlight those warm spice notes. Thinly sliced apples fanned out on the frosting can also make a stunning, elegant garnish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a creamy contrast. If you want to keep it warm and cozy, serve alongside a hot cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or a crisp apple cider for an autumn-inspired delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into smaller bite-sized squares for a party platter, or layer the cake with frosting in between slices for a rustic apple layer cake effect. Serving warm with a small drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the experience for any special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled, and the cake will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days when properly stored.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

If serving cake that has been refrigerated, bring slices to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Avoid heating too long to keep the frosting’s creamy texture intact and the cake moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use a fed sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes, you can use fed starter if that’s what you have, but it may change the flavor profile slightly and make the cake a bit tangier. The discard starter works well here because it’s less active and adds subtle sour notes without extra rise.

Do I have to grate the apples, or can I chop them?

Grating the apples helps them blend into the batter better, providing moisture and a delicate texture. Chopping could create uneven pockets of apple and change the cake’s consistency, so grating is recommended for this recipe.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

While the recipe as written uses regular flour, you could experiment with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind that texture and rise might vary slightly, but with careful substitution, it should still result in a delicious cake.

Can I replace the molasses with honey or maple syrup?

You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but molasses lends a distinctive deep flavor and dark color that are part of this cake’s charm. Honey or maple syrup will make the cake sweeter and lighter in taste, changing the original profile somewhat.

What’s the best way to make sure the cake doesn’t dry out?

Mixing the wet ingredients well to create a fluffy batter, folding gently, and not overbaking are key. Also, storing the cake in an airtight container and keeping it chilled after frosting steps in to help maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a Sourdough Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that combines a bit of old-world tradition with modern flavor cravings. This cake invites you to savor every bite, whether it’s a cozy weekend celebration or an everyday indulgence with a cup of tea. Give this recipe a try—you just might find yourself reaching for your sourdough starter every time apples are in season!

Sourdough Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe