Delicious Apple Cake Recipe: A Perfect Fall Dessert
If you’re a fan of seasonal desserts, there’s no better way to welcome fall than with a moist and flavorful apple cake. This Apple Cake recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with the natural sweetness of apples and the comforting spices of cinnamon. Whether you’re preparing a treat for a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or just a delicious snack, this Apple Cake is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake Recipe
Apple cakes are beloved for their delightful combination of tender cake and fruity, slightly tart apple pieces. This particular recipe offers an incredible balance of sweetness and texture, thanks to the juicy apples and moist batter.
With the perfect amount of sugar, a hint of cinnamon, and a tender crumb, this cake is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s simple to make, so you don’t need to be a baking expert to prepare this dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through every step.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cake
This Apple Cake recipe requires just a handful of basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the apples:
3 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced into wedges (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work wonderfully)
For the cake batter:
150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), if you want extra crunch
How to Make Apple Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this apple cake is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, delicious cake ready to serve in no time!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan. If you prefer, you can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and slice the apples into wedges. Set them aside while you prepare the batter. If you want your cake to have a caramelized apple topping, you can toss the apples with a little sugar and cinnamon before placing them on top of the batter later.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined — be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Gently arrange the apple slices on top of the batter, pressing them lightly into the surface. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the apples for an added texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake the Apple Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake
Apple Variety: The choice of apples can significantly impact the flavor of the cake. Tart apples like Granny Smith offer a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala provide a milder taste. You can even mix a variety of apples to add complexity to the flavor.
Moisture Level: If you prefer a more moist cake, you can increase the amount of milk or use sour cream instead of milk. Sour cream adds richness and moisture, giving the cake a tender crumb.
Adding Spices: For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the batter. This will complement the cinnamon and enhance the overall taste.
Caramelized Apples: If you’re looking to elevate your apple cake, try caramelizing the apples before adding them to the batter. Simply cook the apple slices in butter and sugar until they soften and begin to caramelize, then layer them over the batter before baking.
Storage: This cake stores well at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. If you have leftover cake, reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Variations of Apple Cake
This Apple Cake recipe is versatile and can be modified to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
Gluten-Free Apple Cake: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Vegan Apple Cake: To make the cake vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Apple and Carrot Cake: For a more complex flavor, add grated carrots to the batter. The sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the apples and spices.
Apple Cake with Streusel Topping: Add a crumbly streusel topping made from sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon to give the cake an extra crunch and sweetness.
Why This Apple Cake is Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat, this Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Its warm, comforting flavor and inviting aroma will make your kitchen smell amazing, and the combination of soft cake and tender apples is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you can enjoy it any time you want a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cake is more than just a seasonal treat; it’s a dessert that captures the essence of fall. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be able to bake a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and full of comforting autumn spices. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with ice cream or whipped cream, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! You can also experiment with different apple varieties and toppings to make it your own.