Apple Cake is a cozy, comforting dessert packed with tender chunks of fresh apples, warm spices, and a moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this cake brings autumn flavor to any time of year.
Apple Cake
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
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Moist and Flavorful: Made with oil and brown sugar for a soft texture and rich taste.
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Fresh Apples in Every Bite: Diced apples baked right into the batter ensure sweetness and a little tart crunch.
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Warm Cinnamon Spice: Classic apple spice blend that fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
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No Frosting Needed: This cake shines all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a simple glaze.
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One-Bowl Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in every slice.
Ingredient Notes
- Large Apples: The star ingredient—adds juicy texture, natural sweetness, and moisture throughout the cake. Their flavor deepens as the cake bakes.
- Eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and give structure to the cake. Room temperature eggs mix more evenly, helping the cake rise and bake evenly.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cake while adding a slight molasses richness that pairs beautifully with apples and warm spices.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture. The melted form ensures an even, soft crumb and enhances the cake’s flavor.
- Applesauce (preferably unsweetened): Boosts moisture and apple flavor while reducing the need for excess fat. It also helps make the crumb tender.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body to the cake, balancing the wet ingredients.
- Baking Powder: Leavens the cake by creating air bubbles, resulting in a light, fluffy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, cozy aroma and depth, making it taste even more like fall in every bite.
- Salt (pinch): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Flaked Almond (optional): Adds a nutty crunch on top, offering visual appeal and texture contrast.
- Raw Sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top before baking, it adds a sweet, crunchy finish with rustic charm.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Apple Cake is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, Sunday baking, or just because. It’s a rustic cake that’s homey, delicious, and incredibly satisfying—great for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with loved ones on a quiet evening.
RECIPE FAQ
What is the best apple for apple cake?
The type of apple you use will affect the flavor and sweetness of your cake. Whether you prefer a sweeter apple or something more tart and crisp, this recipe works with many varieties! Options include Granny Smith, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Mutsu or Crispin, Winesap, or Pink Lady.
Can I make this cake Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free?
For a gluten-free version, check out my Gluten-Free Apple Cake recipe, which is similar to this one. To make it dairy-free, simply swap the melted butter for a neutral-flavored cooking oil, such as Canola Oil. Keep in mind that using oil instead of butter will slightly alter the taste and texture of the cake.
How should I serve the cake?
This cake can be served warm or cool and enjoyed on its own. It’s also delicious with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream, some Whipped Cream, additional Applesauce, Apple Curd, or caramelized apples on top.
TIPS
- You can dice the apples into various sizes. Smaller chunks will become very soft, while larger cubes will stay slightly crunchy, giving your cake a great mix of textures.
- Stop mixing the cake as soon as the dry ingredients are combined to prevent overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tougher, drier cake.
- For a delicious mix of flavors, try using two different types of apples instead of just one. Use a sweet apple and a tart one, for instance, to create a wonderful contrast.
SERVING
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With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream is a dreamy pairing.
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With a Caramel Drizzle: Warm salted caramel sauce turns it into a decadent dessert.
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With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Keep it simple and pretty.
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With Your Morning Coffee or Tea: Makes a perfect fall breakfast or snack cake.
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With Cream Cheese Glaze: For an extra layer of richness and tang.
STORING & FREEZING
- Store this Apple Cake at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil for up to 3 days. It can last a few more days in the fridge, but it may become drier. You can warm individual slices for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
- To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely first. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and after with aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake for a few hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Apple Cake
Love cakes? Be sure to check out these other delicious recipes!
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Apple Crumble Cake
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Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
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Carrot Cake
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German Chocolate Cake
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Lemon Blueberry Cake
Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 Large Apples
- 2 Eggs - at room temperature
- 80 grams 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 120 grams 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter - melted
- 120 grams 1/2 cup Applesauce - preferably unsweetened
- 150 grams 1 cup Plain / All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon - optional
- 1 pinch Salt
- Flaked Almond - optional to taste
- Raw Sugar - optional to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the bottom of a 24 cm (9-inch) springform pan and gently grease the sides.
- Melt the butter in the microwave and set it aside to cool down.
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into tiny cubes. Set aside.
- In a big mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar until foamy. Add the melted butter and applesauce, then whisk until combined.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stop whisking as soon as combined.
- Fold in the apples. Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan and spread it around.
- Optionally, top with flaked almonds/raw sugar.
- Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool down completely before removing it from the pan and serving.
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Apple Cake