Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a simple yet scrumptious dessert, this Easy Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy apples and cozy cinnamon, it’s moist, tender, and comes together quickly—making it the perfect treat for any time, from cozy family gatherings to holiday brunches. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Super simple: Requires pantry staples and basic kitchen equipment.
- Moist and fluffy: Every bite is soft, tender, and packed with apple goodness.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack.
- Customizable: Swap nuts, add raisins, or try different apple varieties.
- Make-ahead friendly: Stays fresh for days, and the flavors deepen over time.
Easy Apple Cake Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup (160ml) milk
- 2 cups (about 2 large) peeled, cored, and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-By-Step Directions: Easy Apple Cake Recipe
Prep & Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round or square cake pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Cream Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and slightly fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
- Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by half the milk. Stir gently, then repeat with remaining dry ingredients and milk. Mix just until no streaks remain (don’t overmix!).
Add Apples and Nuts
- Fold in the diced apples and nuts, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Dice apples evenly for consistent texture throughout the cake.
- If you love extra spice, double the cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves for warmth. Check out this similar apple cake recipe for more spice inspiration.
- Don’t overmix—stir until just combined to keep your cake tender.
Easy Apple Cake Recipe Variations
- Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.
- Apple Raisin Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup raisins with the apples for extra sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Required Equipment for This Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch cake pan
- Cooling rack
Easy Apple Cake Recipe Storage & Shelf Life
Store leftover apple cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices (wrapped individually) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Serving Recommendations: What to Pair with Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Pair with a hot mug of coffee or spiced chai latte
- Add a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for extra decadence
Pro Tips for the Perfect Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness.
- If using salted butter, reduce salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
- For an extra moist cake, substitute 1/4 cup applesauce for some of the butter. For more info on baking substitutions, visit Food Network’s apple guide.
Easy Apple Cake Recipe FAQ
- Can I prepare this cake ahead?
- Absolutely! The flavors actually intensify after a day, so feel free to bake it the night before serving.
- Which apples work best for this easy apple cake recipe?
- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are all great choices—focusing on firm, tart apples gives the best texture and flavor.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter and plant-based milk with great results.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40-45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
-
2In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
-
3In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
-
4Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Fold in diced apples.
-
5Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
6Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
