Apple Cake Recipe
This Easy Apple Cake is the ultimate answer when you crave something sweet, comforting, and fuss-free. Fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and applesauce come together in each fluffy bite.
The cake bakes into a golden dream with tender apple pieces nestled inside. Perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or a quick dessert, this Easy Apple Cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Main Ingredients for Easy Apple Cake
- Granny Smith Apples – Provide a tart contrast that balances the cake’s sweetness beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates a soft yet sturdy crumb to hold the juicy apples.
- Cinnamon – Infuses warm spice throughout, giving each slice its cozy aroma.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a slight caramel note, making the cake rich and moist.
- Applesauce – Keeps the cake extra moist while intensifying the apple flavor naturally.
- Eggs – Bind the batter, giving structure and lift for a tender crumb.
- Oil or Butter – Ensures the cake stays soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Quick Steps to Make Easy Apple Cake
Start by tossing freshly chopped Granny Smith apples in cinnamon to draw out their natural sweetness. Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl and whisk the wet ones in another until smooth.
Combine both mixtures gently, fold in the spiced apples, and pour into a lined baking pan. Sprinkle the top with a cinnamon-sugar blend for a sweet, crackly finish. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly, slice generously, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Easy Apple Cake Tips & Tasty Twists
For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Switch up the apples – Honeycrisp or Fuji bring sweetness if you prefer less tartness than Granny Smith. If you love extra spice, stir in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to deepen the warm notes.
Make sure not to overmix the batter – gentle folds keep the crumb tender. This cake pairs beautifully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
Storing Your Easy Apple Cake Goodness
This Easy Apple Cake stays soft and flavorful for days. Store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days. For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
When ready to enjoy again, warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked taste. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen for a quick sweet treat.
Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or sweetened, if preferred
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted and cooled butter
- 3/4 cups light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon plus 1/4 tsp for dusting apples
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and chopped (about 2 cups total)
- 2 large eggs or 3 small, at room temperature
- 3 tsps granulated white sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon for sprinkling
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the bottom and two sides of a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, then lightly grease the remaining sides and set aside. Dice the apples into small cubes and toss gently with 1/4 tsp cinnamon; keep them aside. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon, stirring until evenly mixed, then set aside. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and applesauce for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the sides of the bowl are well scraped. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined, taking care not to over-mix. Incorporate the chopped apples and fold briefly to distribute evenly. Spread the batter smoothly into the prepared pan. Mix the white sugar and 1/4 tsp cinnamon in a small cup, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter for a sweet, crunchy topping. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean; the cake is typically done in about 30 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly, slice, and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
