Delightful Mini Apple Cakes with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Perfect Fall Dessert

Embrace the cozy charm of autumn with these exquisite **Mini Apple Cakes**, featuring layers of moist, spiced apple cake, a rich and tender apple filling, and an irresistible brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfectly sized for individual enjoyment or intimate gatherings, these little wonders capture all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in an elegant cake form. Whether you’re savoring one with your morning coffee, sharing them at fall parties, or seeking a delightful homemade dessert, these mini cakes are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re surprisingly easy to make, adding a touch of sophisticated sweetness to any occasion without the fuss.

Fall baking is synonymous with apple desserts, and while apple pies and crumbles are beloved classics, these Mini Apple Cakes offer a fresh, charming alternative. The combination of sweet, spiced apples and the nutty, caramelized notes of brown butter frosting creates a flavor profile that is truly unforgettable. Imagine biting into a fluffy cake infused with apple cider and applesauce, followed by a burst of spiced apple filling, all crowned with a luscious, tangy frosting. It’s a sensory experience that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the season.

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Mini Apple Cake Recipe

There are countless reasons why these individual apple cakes will become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. From their enchanting flavor to their convenient size, every element is designed to delight.

• Perfect Individual Size: These mini apple cakes are ideal for individual servings, making them perfect for potlucks, small parties, or a personal treat. They eliminate the need for cutting and serving, allowing guests to grab their own beautiful dessert. They are also wonderful for portion control, ensuring everyone gets just the right amount of decadent goodness.
• Unforgettable Rich Apple Flavor: Crafted with fresh apples and unsweetened applesauce, these cakes boast a deep, authentic apple flavor that shines through every bite. The warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the apple beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that sings of autumn. The apple filling adds another layer of texture and intense apple goodness.
• Ideal for Autumn Gatherings: Planning a Thanksgiving dinner, a Halloween party, or a simple fall brunch? These mini apple cakes are a perfect recipe for any autumn season event. Their festive appearance and comforting flavors make them a welcome addition to any table, effortlessly elevating your dessert spread.
• Incredibly Versatile Serving Options: Serve them simply as a sophisticated individual dessert, or elevate them further with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can add an extra layer of indulgence, transforming these mini cakes into an even more luxurious experience. They even make a wonderful accompaniment to your morning coffee or as a delightful afternoon snack.
• The Magic of Brown Butter Frosting: What truly sets these mini apple cakes apart is the luxurious brown butter cream cheese frosting. Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramelized depth of flavor that is simply divine and perfectly complements the sweet and spiced apple layers. It’s a game-changer that takes ordinary cream cheese frosting to an extraordinary level.
• Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance and complex flavor, this mini apple cake recipe is straightforward and accessible for home bakers of all skill levels. With clear step-by-step instructions, you can whip up these delectable treats in no time, impressing your friends and family with your baking prowess.

Key Ingredients for Your Mini Apple Cake Masterpiece

Crafting these delectable mini apple cakes requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. While many items might already be in your pantry, here’s a closer look at some key components and why they’re important for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. For a full, detailed list of ingredients with precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card provided below.

• Granny Smith Apples: These are my top choice for the apple filling due to their delightful tartness and firm texture, which holds up beautifully during cooking. This tartness provides a wonderful balance to the sweetness of the cake and frosting. However, if you prefer a sweeter apple or a mix, Honeycrisp or Gala apples are excellent alternatives.
• Brown Sugar: Whether you opt for light or dark brown sugar, its molasses content adds a rich, caramel-like depth to both the apple filling and the cake batter. This is distinct from granulated sugar and contributes significantly to the signature fall flavor of these mini apple cakes.
• Unsweetened Applesauce (Room Temperature): This is a secret weapon for moisture in cakes! Using unsweetened applesauce ensures that you control the overall sweetness of the cake, preventing it from becoming cloying. Bringing it to room temperature helps it blend smoothly with other ingredients, ensuring an even batter.
• Apple Cider (Room Temperature): Far beyond just a liquid, apple cider deepens the apple flavor within the cake, adding an authentic, tangy note that elevates the entire profile. I often look for “Simply Apple” brand as it’s typically available year-round and offers a consistent, quality flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil is essential for adding moisture to the cake without imparting any unwanted flavors. It contributes to a tender crumb that stays moist for days. Any neutral oil you have on hand will work perfectly.
• Eggs (Room Temperature): Large or extra-large eggs bind the ingredients together, provide structure, and contribute to the rich texture of the cake. Using room temperature eggs is crucial as they emulsify better with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more uniform cake batter.
• All-Purpose Flour: While unbleached all-purpose flour often yields the best results in baked goods, offering a slightly finer texture, any good quality all-purpose flour will work. It provides the foundational structure for your delicious apple cake layers.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These classic spices are the heart of our fall flavor profile, infusing both the apple filling and the cake with warmth and aromatic complexity that perfectly complements the apple.
• Unsalted Butter (for Frosting): High-quality unsalted butter is key for browning, which develops a rich, nutty flavor that is the star of our brown butter cream cheese frosting. Unsalted allows you to control the salt content precisely.
• Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): The tanginess of full-fat cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the frosting and the richness of the brown butter. Ensuring it’s at room temperature is vital for achieving a silky-smooth, lump-free frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Delicious Mini Apple Cakes

Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect mini apple cakes, from the spiced apple filling to the irresistible brown butter frosting and final assembly.

For the Spiced Apple Filling:

• In a medium mixing bowl, gently toss your thinly sliced Granny Smith apples with fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Ensure every apple slice is beautifully coated.
• Transfer this fragrant apple mixture to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and release their natural juices, becoming beautifully tender.
• In a separate small bowl, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your thickening agent!
• Once the apples have softened, gradually stir the cornstarch slurry into the apple mixture in the saucepan. Continue to stir constantly as the filling thickens. It should achieve a spoonable, jam-like consistency within about 30 seconds to a minute.
• Remove the thickened apple filling from the heat and transfer it to a clean bowl or container. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before using. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from melting your cake layers or frosting during assembly.

For the Moist Apple Cake Layers:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare your mini bundt pans (or two 6-inch round cake pans) by generously spraying them with cooking spray. For round pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, then spray again. This ensures your cakes release perfectly.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Set this fragrant mixture aside.
• In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk by hand for about one minute until the sugars are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
• Now, add your room temperature eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Mix at a low speed until everything is just combined and smooth.
• Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake. A few small streaks of flour are acceptable.
• Divide the cake batter evenly among your prepared mini bundt cake pans. Smooth the tops gently with the back of a spoon for even baking.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Irresistible Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, as the butter will foam, then the milk solids will separate and begin to turn golden brown, emitting a wonderful nutty aroma. Watch it very closely, as it can go from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds! Once it reaches a beautiful golden-brown color and has a distinct nutty fragrance, immediately remove it from the heat and transfer it to a heatproof bowl to cool down completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for the unique flavor.
• Once the brown butter has cooled, combine it with the room temperature cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar (starting with 5 cups), heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is just incorporated, then increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting seems too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired piping consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Assembly of Your Mini Apple Cakes:

• Once your mini apple cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the brown butter frosting evenly over the top.
• Carefully spoon a dollop of the cooled spiced apple filling onto the center of the frosted cake. You can create a small well in the frosting to hold the filling.
• Place the second cake layer on top, creating a beautiful layered effect. Frost the entire cake with the remaining brown butter frosting, using an offset spatula to smooth the sides and top. For an extra polished look, you can use a cake comb.
• If desired, add any extra apple filling to the very top of the frosted cake for a decorative touch, or serve it on the side for guests to add as they please. Serve these delightful mini apple cakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Essential Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mini Apple Cakes

Achieving bakery-quality mini apple cakes at home is easier than you think with a few key techniques. These tips will ensure your cakes are moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented every time.

• Embrace “Mise en Place”: This French culinary term means “everything in its place.” Before you begin baking, measure out all your ingredients and have them prepped and ready. This streamlines the baking process, reduces stress, and minimizes the chance of forgetting an ingredient or making a mistake.
• Select the Ideal Apples: Granny Smith apples are highly recommended for this recipe due to their crisp, firm texture and bright tartness, which provides a lovely contrast to the sweet cake and frosting. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala if you prefer a sweeter or softer apple. A mix of two apple types can also add complexity!
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable: This is a golden rule in baking! Ensure your eggs, applesauce, apple cider, and especially your cream cheese and browned butter are all at room temperature before mixing. This allows ingredients to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, homogenous batter and a velvety, lump-free frosting. Cold ingredients can cause batters to curdle and frostings to be stiff and difficult to work with.
• Master the Art of Browning Butter: Browning butter adds an incredible depth of nutty, caramelized flavor that truly elevates the frosting. Place unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan (to better see the color change) over medium heat. Stir constantly. It will melt, then foam, then the milk solids will sink to the bottom and turn golden brown. Once you smell a rich, nutty aroma and see golden-brown flecks at the bottom, immediately remove it from the heat and transfer it to a cool bowl to stop the cooking process. Overcooked brown butter can quickly turn burnt and bitter.
• Prevent Overmixing the Cake Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense, tough cake rather than the light, tender crumb you desire. A few small streaks of flour are preferable to an overmixed batter.
• Achieve Perfect Frosting Consistency: The ideal brown butter cream cheese frosting should be smooth, creamy, and spreadable yet firm enough to hold its shape. If your frosting is too thick, gradually add a teaspoon of heavy cream until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, a tablespoon or two of extra powdered sugar can help thicken it.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Resist the temptation to frost warm cakes! Warm cakes will melt your beautiful brown butter cream cheese frosting, leading to a messy, runny disaster. Ensure your mini apple cake layers are completely cooled to room temperature before you even think about applying the frosting or filling.
• Don’t Overfill Your Pans: Whether using mini bundt pans or 6-inch round pans, avoid overfilling them. Leave about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of space from the top to allow the cake to rise without overflowing, ensuring beautifully shaped layers.

Recommended Tools for Effortless Baking

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here are a few essential items that will help you create these mini apple cakes with ease:

• 6-inch Cake Pans or Mini Bundt Pans: These are crucial for achieving the perfect mini size.
• Large Mixing Bowl & Medium Mixing Bowl: Necessary for separating wet and dry ingredients.
• Stand Mixer (with paddle attachment): While a hand mixer works, a stand mixer makes quick work of frosting and batter.
• Offset Spatula: Ideal for spreading frosting smoothly and evenly.
• Wire Rack: Essential for cooling your cakes thoroughly and preventing sogginess.
• Medium Saucepan: For making the apple filling and browning the butter. A light-colored pan is best for browning butter so you can monitor the color change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Apple Cakes

Here are answers to some common questions you might have while baking and enjoying these delightful mini apple cakes:

• Can I use a different type of apple for the filling? Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, Honeycrisp or Gala apples are excellent alternatives if you prefer a sweeter filling. You can even use a combination of two types for a more complex flavor profile.
• How should I store these delicious mini cakes? To maintain their freshness and flavor, store your frosted mini apple cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best taste and texture, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• How can I make the frosting less sweet? If you have a preference for less sweet frosting, you can easily adjust the amount of powdered sugar. Start with less than the recommended amount (e.g., 4 cups instead of 5-6) and taste as you go. You can also add a bit more cream cheese to enhance the tanginess and balance the sweetness, or a tiny pinch more salt to cut through it.
• Can I freeze the cakes with the frosting on? For optimal results, it’s generally better to freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap each cooled cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then frost them fresh before serving. This preserves the texture of both the cake and the frosting.
• How long does the brown butter frosting last? The brown butter cream cheese frosting can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, bring it back to room temperature and re-whip it with your stand mixer or hand mixer for a few minutes until it regains its light and creamy consistency.
• Can I make this into a regular-sized cake? Yes, you can adapt this recipe to a single 9-inch round cake or a loaf cake. Baking times will need to be adjusted (likely longer), and you might need to adjust the amount of filling and frosting slightly. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
• What if I don’t have mini bundt pans? No problem! You can use two 6-inch round cake pans for two-layer mini cakes, or even a muffin tin to make apple cupcakes. Adjust baking times accordingly; cupcakes usually bake faster.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for Freshness

To ensure your delightful mini apple cakes remain as fresh and delicious as possible, follow these simple storage and freezing guidelines:

• Storing: Once assembled and frosted, these apple mini cakes are best kept in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the most enjoyable experience, allow the cakes to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving, as this will soften the frosting and enhance the flavors.
• Freezing: If you’re planning ahead or have leftovers, you can easily freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap each cooled cake individually and tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. Then, place the plastic-wrapped cakes into a large freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cakes overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with frosting them freshly before serving. It’s generally not recommended to freeze the cakes with the cream cheese frosting, as the frosting’s texture can change upon thawing.

FOR MORE DELICIOUS FALL RECIPES LIKE THIS ONE, EXPLORE THESE FAVORITES!

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• Another Look at The Most Spectacular Fall Biscoff Apple Cake

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Recipe Card

Mini Apple Cake

Molly Murphy

Authentic apple cake layers with a spiced apple filling and frosted in a brown butter cream cheese frosting. Mini size for a small gathering!

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Ingredients

 

 

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 large apples thinly sliced Granny Smith apples work well
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt about ⅛ teaspoon
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup cold water

For the Cake:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs at room temperature
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce at room temperature
• ½ cup apple cider at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

For the Brown Butter Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
• 5-6 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

For the Apple Filling:

• In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
  3 large apples thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, A pinch of salt about ⅛ teaspoon
• Place the apple mixture in a medium to large pot over medium-high heat. Slowly bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• In a separate small bowl, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water. Set it aside.
  2 tablespoons cornstarch, ¼ cup cold water
• As the apples release liquid and begin to soften, add the slurry to the mixture while stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken within about 30 seconds to a consistency where it can hold together when lifted with a spoon. If needed, prepare a bit more slurry to reach the desired thickness.
• Once thickened, remove the apple mixture from heat and transfer it to a container. Let it cool down to room temperature. The filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

For the apple cake

• Preheat your oven to 325°F. Spray two 6-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, and spray again. Set aside.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
  1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¾ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking powder
• In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk by hand for about 1 minute until well combined.
  ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar packed, ½ cup vegetable oil
• Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and continue to mix until combined. Add the vanilla extract, apple cider and applesauce, and mix just until combined.
  2 eggs at room temperature, ½ cup unsweetened applesauce at room temperature, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup apple cider at room temperature
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold the mixture together until evenly combined and there are no flour streaks. Be careful not to overmix.
• Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cake pans. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out the batter for even baking.
• Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. While the cakes are cooling, make the brown butter frosting.

For the brown butter frosting

• In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the butter foams, the milk solids separate, and the butter begins to brown and emit a nutty aroma. Watch closely to prevent burning. Once browned, remove from heat, transfer to a glass bowl, and let it cool completely to room temperature.
  ½ cup unsalted butter
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the browned butter and room temperature cream cheese. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting with 5 cups, then add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for an additional 2 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream or powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
  5-6 cups powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt

Assembly:

• Place a small dollop of frosting in the center of your cake board to act as glue. Place the first cake layer, top side up, on the cake board. Spread about ½ cup of frosting evenly over the top. With a piping bag or a ziplock bag, pipe a rim around the edge of the cake.
• Apply the cooled apple filling and, with the back of a spoon, evenly spread it across the top of the cake. Get eye level with it to ensure it’s even.
• Place the second cake layer, top side down, on top of the frosting. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake to lock in any crumbs. Freeze the cake for 10-15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
• Frost the cake with the remaining brown butter frosting, ensuring smooth, even coverage. Use a cake comb to achieve the sides or frost it however you like. Top with extra apple filling if desired. Serve the cake at room temperature.

Keyword Mini apple cake, mini, cake, apple, falls, brown butter frosting, fall dessert, homemade apple cake

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