If you're a fan of deliciously moist and sweet cakes, then you’ve come to the right place. Apple Cake is a timeless dessert that brings together the tartness of apples and the richness of spices to create a warm, comforting treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through baking the best apple cake you've ever tasted. Keep reading to discover step-by-step instructions, tips for substitutions, serving ideas, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to whip up a bakery-worthy apple cake from the comfort of your own home!
What is Apple Cake?
Apple cake is a classic dessert made primarily from apples, flour, sugar, and eggs. Often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake delivers a cozy, fall-inspired flavor that many associate with the autumn months. However, apple cake is so versatile that it can be enjoyed year-round! The sweetness of apples combined with a buttery cake base creates an irresistible dessert that's perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply as an everyday treat.
Ingredients List for Apple Cake
To make a perfect apple cake, it’s important to have the right ingredients on hand. Here’s a list of the basic ingredients you’ll need for the recipe:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of milk
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results)
- ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! Here are some substitution options and variations to make this recipe work for you:
- Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal due to their firmness and flavor, you can use any type of apple you have on hand. Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady will also work, though the sweetness may vary.
- Butter: You can substitute butter with an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Milk: To make the apple cake dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy alternative.
- Flour: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check if it’s a 1:1 substitute.
- Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add a great crunch, but if you’re allergic to nuts, feel free to omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Spices: If you want a spicier cake, increase the amount of cinnamon or add some ground ginger for a little extra warmth.
- Add-Ins: Want to take your apple cake to the next level? Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the most delicious apple cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender and moist cake.
- Add the eggs: One at a time, beat in the eggs until well combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Fold in the apples and nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using). The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan: Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the cake pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious apple cake!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your apple cake turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes you should avoid:
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined for the best texture.
- Using the wrong apples: Using apples that are too soft (like Red Delicious) can result in a mushy texture. Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to keep the texture just right.
- Not measuring flour properly: It’s easy to add too much flour, which can dry out the cake. Be sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cake to cool properly helps the flavors meld together and prevents it from falling apart when slicing.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While this apple cake is delicious on its own, you can elevate it further by paying attention to how it’s served and presented.
How to Serve Apple Cake
- Warm with ice cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve your apple cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cake for a decadent treat.
- With whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream is another classic way to serve apple cake. For added flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top of the cream.
- Drizzled with caramel sauce: Apple and caramel are a match made in heaven. Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over your apple cake for an irresistible dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Apple Cake
- Dust with powdered sugar: A simple yet elegant way to finish your apple cake is by dusting it with powdered sugar just before serving.
- Apple slices on top: For a more decorative touch, reserve a few apple slices to arrange on top of the cake before baking. This will give the cake a beautiful, rustic look.
- Serve on a cake stand: Elevate your apple cake by displaying it on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece at your next gathering.
Apple Cake Recipe Tips
To ensure your apple cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start baking. This helps everything mix together more smoothly.
- Use fresh apples: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh apples rather than canned or pre-sliced varieties.
- Don’t skip the spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is what gives this cake its signature flavor, so don’t skimp on them.
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Apple cake can be made up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if you prefer.
Can I freeze apple cake?
Absolutely. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What kind of apples are best for apple cake?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold up well during baking and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness to the cake.
Can I add other fruits to the apple cake?
Yes! Pears are a great addition or substitute for apples. You can also mix in raisins or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This apple cake recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a cozy fall treat or a simple dessert to impress guests, this cake delivers on flavor and texture. With easy-to-follow steps, options for substitutions, and helpful tips, you’ll be able to bake a delicious apple cake that everyone will love. Now that you’re equipped with all the information you need, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start baking! Enjoy your scrumptious apple cake, and don’t forget to experiment with your own variations to make it uniquely yours.
PrintApple Cake Recipe
This delicious Apple Cake recipe is made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a simple batter. A perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a moist texture and warm, spiced flavor. Perfect for fall or any time of year.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Fold in diced apples.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra moisture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
- Serve warm with ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
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