There’s something about the warm, comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven that just feels like a hug for your soul. This Apple Cake is the perfect treat for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or a simple yet satisfying dessert. It’s soft, moist, and packed with tender apple pieces in every bite.
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Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, trust me—this cake is foolproof. No fancy techniques, just simple ingredients that come together to create pure magic. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar, and watch it disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
No need for anything fancy—just pantry staples and fresh apples for an incredible homemade treat.
Perfectly Moist & Tender
Thanks to the natural juices of the apples, this cake stays soft and moist with every bite.
Easy to Make
No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Great for Any Occasion
Breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack—this cake fits every craving.
Customizable
Swap in your favorite nuts, add a caramel drizzle, or spice it up with nutmeg or ginger.
Ingredients in Apple Cake
Apples
The star of the show! Use crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
Flour
Provides the structure while keeping the cake soft and fluffy.
Sugar
A mix of brown and white sugar gives the cake sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
Eggs
Help bind everything together and create a tender texture.
Butter or Oil
Keeps the cake rich and moist. Use butter for flavor or oil for an ultra-soft texture.
Cinnamon
The ultimate cozy spice that enhances the apple flavor beautifully.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda
Leavening agents that help the cake rise to perfection.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins
Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) add crunch, while raisins bring a bit of chewiness and extra sweetness.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare Your Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold in Apples
Gently stir in the diced apples and any optional add-ins like nuts or raisins.
Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
How to Serve Apple Cake
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice? Absolute heaven!
- Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Take it up a notch with a drizzle of rich caramel.
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar: A simple but elegant way to finish.
- With Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy topping that pairs beautifully.
- Alongside Coffee or Tea: The perfect cozy pairing for any time of day.
Additional Tips
- Use the Right Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined for a tender cake. Overmixing can make it dense.
- Want Extra Moisture? Substitute half of the butter with applesauce for an ultra-moist cake.
- Make It Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and flavor.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing Tips: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Q2: What’s the best type of apple to use?
A2: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.
Q3: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A3: Absolutely! Oil makes the cake extra moist, while butter adds rich flavor—choose based on your preference.
Q4: How do I prevent my apples from sinking?
A4: Toss the apple pieces in a little flour before folding them into the batter.
Q5: Can I add a crumb topping?
A5: Yes! A simple mix of butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon makes a delicious streusel topping.
Q6: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A6: Definitely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Q7: What size pan should I use?
A7: A standard 9-inch round or square pan works well, or use a loaf pan for a thicker cake.
Q8: Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?
A8: Yes! Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Q9: How do I make this cake healthier?
A9: Reduce the sugar slightly, use whole wheat flour, or swap butter for unsweetened applesauce.
Q10: Can I add other spices?
A10: Absolutely! Try adding nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for extra warmth and depth.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cake is pure comfort in every bite—warm, spiced, and packed with juicy apples. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Print
Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent apple cake is packed with sweet, crisp apples and a hint of cinnamon, creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Moist, dense, and delicious, this cake is ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday desserts, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Apples:
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4-5 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced thin
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5 tbsp sugar
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1 tbsp cinnamon
Cake Batter:
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4 large eggs
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2 cups sugar
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1 cup vegetable oil
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3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
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1 tbsp baking powder
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2 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1/2 cup orange juice (no pulp)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples:
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In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon.
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Let sit while preparing the batter.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a tube pan with butter and dust lightly with flour.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and whisk in sugar until smooth.
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Stir in vegetable oil.
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Gradually fold in sifted flour and baking powder until just combined.
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Mix in vanilla extract and orange juice.
3. Assemble & Bake:
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared tube pan.
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Spread half of the apples evenly over the batter.
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Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the apples.
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Lightly press apples into the batter.
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Bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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For a gooey texture, remove slightly earlier.
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4. Cool & Serve:
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Let the cake cool slightly before removing the outer layer of the pan.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
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Apple Choice: Honeycrisp apples add the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
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Serving Suggestion: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg