Apple Cake Recipe

Looking for a cozy, moist, and delicious cake that’s full of warmth and flavor? This Apple Cake recipe is the perfect dessert for fall or anytime you crave something sweet and fruity. Packed with fresh apples, warm spices like cinnamon, and a tender crumb, this cake is a wonderful treat for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or a quick dessert. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this cake is beginner-friendly and can be dressed up with various toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Let’s get baking!

this Recipes

What is an Apple Cake?

Apple Cake is a moist, spiced cake that incorporates fresh apples into the batter. The apples release their juices during baking, making the cake naturally sweet, moist, and flavorful. Commonly paired with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, apple cake has a rustic charm that is perfect for autumn but can be enjoyed all year long. The cake can be served on its own or topped with frosting, glaze, or caramel for extra indulgence.

Ingredients List for Apple Cake

For the Cake:

1. 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour – The base for the cake’s structure.
2. 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
3. ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with baking powder to ensure a light texture.
4. ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
5. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm, spicy flavor.
6. ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Optional, for an extra depth of flavor.
7. ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture.
8. ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake.
9. ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
10. 2 large eggs – Provides structure and binds the ingredients together.
11. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
12. ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt – Adds moisture and tang.
13. 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped – The star of the cake, providing sweetness and texture (use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness).

For the Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar – For dusting on top.
• Whipped cream – For serving.
• Caramel sauce – Drizzle for added sweetness.
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – Sprinkle on top for added crunch.

Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins and Variations

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts – For extra texture and flavor.
• ½ cup raisins – Adds sweetness and chewiness to the cake.
• Zest of 1 lemon – Adds brightness to balance the sweetness of the apples.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a warm, spicy kick.

Substitutions and Variations

This apple cake recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy yogurt or applesauce instead of sour cream.
• Oil Instead of Butter: If you prefer, you can use ½ cup vegetable oil or coconut oil in place of melted butter. The texture will remain moist but with a slightly different flavor.
• Brown Sugar Swap: For a more caramelized flavor, you can swap the granulated sugar for brown sugar or use a mixture of both.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter using a spatula. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden brown, and the edges should slightly pull away from the pan.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve it with whipped cream. Slice and enjoy!

How to Make Apple Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease or line your cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately: This ensures the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are evenly distributed in the batter.
3. Fold in Apples Gently: Stir the apples into the batter carefully to avoid overmixing, which can affect the cake’s texture.
4. Bake Until Done: The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense or tough cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Prepping the Apples Properly: Make sure to peel and core the apples. If the pieces are too large, they may not cook evenly, so chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Underbaking: Test the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5 minutes and test again.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Apple Cake

Apple cake can be served warm or at room temperature. For an indulgent treat, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Cake

• Caramel Drizzle: For an elegant touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the cake a pretty, polished look.
• Top with Chopped Nuts: For extra texture, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving.

Apple Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and sour cream helps the ingredients blend more smoothly and creates a better texture.
• Chop Apples Evenly: To ensure the apples bake evenly, chop them into bite-sized pieces of roughly the same size.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use any type of apples for this cake?
A: Yes! You can use any apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith apples will add tartness, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will provide a more sugary flavor.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! This cake can be made a day ahead. Once baked and cooled, store it in an airtight container. Add any toppings like powdered sugar or caramel sauce just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze apple cake?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
A: Toss the chopped apples with a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Q: Can I add a glaze to this cake?
A: Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a little milk, and vanilla extract would work beautifully drizzled over the top of the cake once it’s cooled.

Conclusion

This Apple Cake recipe is an easy, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With fresh apples, warm spices, and a moist, tender crumb, it’s the kind of cake that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with caramel and whipped cream, this cake is always a hit. Try it out and enjoy a deliciously comforting homemade treat that brings the flavors of the season to your table!

Print