Simple Apple Cake Recipe: A Sweet Bite of Homemade Joy

Sweet autumn afternoons deserve a warm apple cake recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible cinnamon aromas.

Ripe, juicy apples transform simple ingredients into a delectable dessert that speaks comfort and warmth.

Soft, tender crumbs mingle with delicate spices, creating a nostalgic treat that connects generations.

The subtle sweetness of fresh apples blends perfectly with rich, buttery batter.

Each slice promises a delightful balance of fruit and cake, melting softly on your tongue.

Baking this classic dessert guarantees smiles and satisfied taste buds.

Apple Cake That Feels Like Autumn

• Whip Up Comfort: Warm, spiced apple cake brings cozy kitchen vibes that wrap you in delightful homemade goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding nuts or changing apple varieties lets you personalize this adaptable dessert without complex technique.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Simple mixing method and minimal ingredients make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• No-Fuss Baking: One-bowl mixing approach and straightforward instructions mean you can create a delicious dessert with minimal kitchen mess and effort.

Ingredients for Tender, Spiced Apple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and base for the cake's texture and consistency.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic autumn flavor to the apple cake.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla: Adds a subtle, sweet aromatic flavor to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Introduces moisture and creates a soft, tender texture.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a classic flavor to the cake.

• Sugar, Cinnamon: A simple, sweet and spicy sprinkle that creates a delightful crust on top of the cake.

How to Bake Apple Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and give your baking pan a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Add eggs one at a time, then splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly blend the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture.

Pour in sour cream and mix until everything is beautifully combined.

Gently fold in freshly diced apples.

Step 5: Prepare the Cake

Transfer the batter into your greased pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Topping

In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.

Sprinkle this sweet mixture evenly across the cake’s surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Apple Cake

• Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your cake.
• Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during preparation.
• Fold apples gently into the batter to distribute them evenly without overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
• Use the toothpick test, inserting it in the center – if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Creative Apple Cake Variations

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring same moist texture and rich apple flavor.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with plant-based yogurt to create a dairy-free, egg-free version that's completely plant-based.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture while cutting down on refined sugars.
• Nutty Apple Sensation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more textured dessert experience.

Serving Apple Cake with a Seasonal Touch

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Elegance: Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent after-dinner indulgence.
• Brunch Showstopper: Pair with a fresh fruit salad and yogurt to create a balanced and colorful weekend brunch spread.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that spreads joy.

Best Storage for Apple Cake Slices

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice cake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Keep cake at room temperature in sealed container for 1-2 days. Place on countertop away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and maintain cake's soft texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.

• How can I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the diced apples in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking during baking.

• Can I add nuts to this apple cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top for extra crunch and flavor.

Apple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic Apple Cake brings warmth from German kitchens, combining sweet apples and delicate spices in a comforting dessert. Cinnamon-kissed layers promise delightful moments that wrap you in nostalgic memories of home-baked goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks)
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or buttermilk

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Optional Mix-ins and Topping:

• ½ cup (75 g) chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup (40 g) raisins
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9-inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry mixture by combining flour, leavening agents, spices, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Cream butter and sugar in a separate large bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, incorporating eggs individually and vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
4. Gradually integrate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
5. Gently fold chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout to ensure each slice contains fruit.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface.
7. Prepare a quick topping by mixing sugar and cinnamon, then delicately sprinkle the mixture across the cake’s surface for added texture and sweetness.
8. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean when the cake is fully cooked.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure proper setting and easier serving.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your cake.
• Dice apples into uniform small cubes to ensure even distribution and prevent sinking to the bottom of the batter.
• Dust apple pieces with a little flour before folding into the batter to help them stay suspended and prevent clumping.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use dairy-free alternatives like almond yogurt for a vegan adaptation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 409 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 165 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg