Apple Cream Cake

**Instructions**:

1. **Preheat Your Oven**:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. **Prepare the Cake Batter**:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir until well mixed.

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or a whisk. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a soft, tender cake.

3. **Add Apples to the Batter**:
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter. The apples will add moisture and sweetness to the cake, making it extra tender and flavorful.

4. **Bake the Cake**:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for an even bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. **Cool the Cakes**:
Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. **Make the Cream Filling**:
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the creamy filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed. The filling should be thick enough to spread easily but still soft and creamy.

7. **Assemble the Cake**:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of the cream filling on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down to help the layers stick together.

8. **Garnish**:
For a beautiful presentation, you can garnish the top of the cake with thin apple slices arranged in a fan shape. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon over the top will add a lovely touch of flavor and visual appeal.

9. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Slice the cake and serve it chilled or at room temperature. The creamy filling and apple-studded layers will melt in your mouth, offering a delightful taste with every bite.

### **Tips for the Perfect Apple Cream Cake**:

– **Use Firm Apples**: When selecting apples for your cake, it’s best to use a firmer variety, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and tough.
– **Chill the Cream Filling**: If you have time, you can chill the cream filling before spreading it on the cake. This helps the filling firm up slightly, making it easier to spread evenly.
– **Try Different Spices**: Feel free to experiment with other spices in the cake batter. Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice pair wonderfully with apples and will enhance the flavor of the cake.

### **Why This Apple Cream Cake is a Must-Try**

Apple Cream Cake offers the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy filling, and the sweet, slightly tart taste of apples. The cake is soft and light, while the cream filling provides richness without being overly heavy. It’s a dessert that can easily be made ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings or celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy afternoon or serving it for a holiday feast, this cake will quickly become a favorite.

Apple Cream Cake is a wonderful way to showcase the fall harvest or enjoy the flavors of apples any time of the year. It’s a timeless dessert that combines the best of comforting flavors with a creamy, indulgent twist.

Give this recipe a try, and prepare to indulge in a slice of pure apple bliss!