Apple Cake Recipe

Heavenly Apple Cake Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Baking a delightful apple cake brings pure joy to my kitchen adventures.

Sweet aromas dance through the room, promising comfort and warmth.

Each slice tells a story of seasonal harvest and cozy memories.

Crisp fruit mingles with tender crumb, creating magic between layers of spiced goodness.

Kitchen experiments like this connect us to simple pleasures and childhood treats.

Modest ingredients transform into something extraordinary with careful mixing and love.

Savor every single bite and let this cake become your new favorite autumn companion.

Smart Moves For A Flawless Apple Cake

  • Select crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice tartness.
  • Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh appearance in the cake.
  • Customize the cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to match your flavor preference, adding more for a bolder taste or reducing for a milder profile.
  • Chop nuts finely for a subtle crunch or leave them in larger pieces for more pronounced texture throughout the cake.
  • Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and won't be dry.

Apple Cake Tips For Enjoying It Later

  • Store leftover apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • If eating within 1-2 days, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and store at room temperature to maintain its soft texture.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's original warmth and flavor.
  • Wrap cake slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving.

What to Serve With Apple Cake

  • Pair with Caramel Vanilla Sauce: Drizzle warm, rich caramel vanilla sauce over each slice to enhance the apple cake's sweet and spicy notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Complement with Cinnamon Spice Tea: Brew a hot cup of cinnamon spice tea that mirrors the cake's warm spices, offering a cozy and comforting beverage that perfectly matches the apple cake's flavor profile.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, providing a cool, smooth contrast to the warm cake's texture and intensifying its rich, sweet taste.
  • Serve with Butterscotch Whiskey: Offer a small glass of smooth butterscotch whiskey for adults, which complements the cake's buttery undertones and adds a sophisticated touch to the dessert experience.

Apple Cake with a Twist

  • Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Use xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
  • Vegan Apple Cake: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flaxseed mixture. Select plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for dairy-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Cake: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Add extra spices like ginger or cardamom to enhance natural sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Apple Cake: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk. Select vegetable oil or coconut oil as butter replacement to maintain moisture.

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 necessary to peel the apples before adding them to the cake?

Peeling is optional. If you prefer a more rustic look and extra fiber, you can leave the apple skins on. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before dicing.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

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

Toss the diced apples in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute them evenly and prevents them from sinking during baking.

Apple Cake Inspires Cozy Moments With Every Spiced Slice

  • Embrace Quick Comfort: Whip up this apple cake in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking cravings that satisfy sweet tooths fast.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: No complicated techniques required, making this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor: Packed with warm spices and fresh apples, this cake offers a nostalgic taste that appeals to both kids and adults, creating delightful shared moments around the table.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Excellent for casual gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or as a cozy weekend treat that works beautifully for multiple occasions without requiring advanced preparation.

The Elements Of An Apple Cake

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple and add depth to the cake's flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Best when softened at room temperature.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Milk: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
Fruit and Nuts:
  • Apples, Walnuts or Pecans: Fresh, crisp apples add natural sweetness and moisture. Nuts provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Optional, but recommended for added complexity.

Apple Cake Recipe Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light and fluffy cloud.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla and blend smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.

Mix gently until everything is just combined – don’t overmix.

Step 5: Add Fruity Goodness

Fold in:
  • Diced apples
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

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

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

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into delectable pieces.

Enjoy your homemade apple cake!

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Apple Cake Recipe

Apple Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

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

Description

Delightful Cinnamon Apple Cake weaves warmth and nostalgia into each delectable slice, bringing family memories to the table. Homemade comfort emerges through layers of sweet apples, fragrant spices, and tender crumb that invite you to savor pure seasonal happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices and Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously coating a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a harmonious dry ingredient blend by whisking together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing vessel.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, incorporating eggs individually and ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Introduce vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
  4. Carefully incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and gently mix until a smooth, cohesive batter forms without overmixing.
  5. Tenderly fold diced apples and optional nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure a balanced distribution of fruit and potential crunch throughout the cake.
  6. Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to create an even layer, and place in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the cake achieves a golden-brown perfection.
  7. Allow the cake to cool completely, permitting the internal structure to set and flavors to meld, before slicing and presenting this delectable dessert.

Notes

  • Adjust apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
  • Consider toasting chopped nuts before adding to batter for deeper, richer nutty undertones.
  • Reduce sugar by 25% and substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier, more nutritious version of the classic dessert.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle caramel glaze just before serving to elevate presentation and add extra indulgence.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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