Apple butter gives this cake a strong apple flavor and keeps it moist. A little extra cinnamon amps up the flavor even more.

Apple butter adds delicious flavor and helps to keep the cake nice and moist. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Apple Butter Cake

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Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Serves: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup apple butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons apple butter
• 1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar (about 3¾ cups)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just incorporated after each addition.
• In a bowl, whisk the flour, salt and baking powder together.
• Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
• Add the apple butter, vanilla and mix until combined.
• Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Cool completely.

For the frosting:

• Add the room-temperature cream cheese and butter to the mixer and beat until smooth.
• Add the apple butter and combine.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix well.
• Spread over the cooled cake.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”