If your idea of dessert heaven is warm, spiced cake bursting with sweet-tart apples and a perfectly tender crumb, you’ll fall in love with this Apple Cake Recipe. This is a tried-and-true treat, brimming with comforting cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg, and juicy bites of apple in every forkful. Whether you’re baking for family, welcoming autumn, or simply craving a slice of something special, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into pure gold. Prepare to make this a family tradition—it’s easy, festive, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cake Recipe is how it takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into a show-stopping dessert. Each element has a purpose, from building the cake’s soft structure to infusing the batter with irresistible flavor and warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cake structure without making it too dense.
- Baking powder: Essential for that uplifting rise and a dreamy, fluffy crumb.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the acids in the batter to help the cake rise and tenderize.
- Salt: Don’t skip it – salt amplifies every sweet and spicy note in the cake.
- Ground cinnamon: The warming backbone of flavor, pairing perfectly with apples.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch delivers deep, nutty undertones and extra coziness.
- Unsalted butter: For richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Softens the apples and adds pure sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like depth and wonderful moisture—pack it in for full flavor.
- Large eggs: The glue that binds everything together and boosts richness.
- Vanilla extract: Layers in a lovely fragrance that rounds out the spice blend.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Both make the cake mega moist and slightly tangy, enhancing the apples.
- Peeled and diced apples: Choose a mix of tart and sweet for complexity and juicy bites throughout.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Offers a toasty crunch for nut lovers.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A dusting makes your Apple Cake Recipe look and taste bakery-fancy.
How to Make Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by setting the stage for success: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan. This ensures your apple cake releases beautifully after baking, so you don’t lose any precious crumbs.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step helps evenly distribute the leaveners and spices, so every slice is consistent in flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This creaming step adds air to the batter, setting you up for a delightfully tender cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Add the eggs to the creamed butter mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). This makes your batter rich and moist, laying the foundation for the apples to shine.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing—think gentle folds rather than frantic stirring—to keep the cake fluffy and tender.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, along with the nuts if you’re using them. The apples add juicy pops of flavor, and the nuts bring wonderful crunch and warmth. Stir just enough to distribute them evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible as it bakes!
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for a little magic touch.
How to Serve Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is the classic finishing touch for your Apple Cake Recipe, catching the light and adding an elegant touch. For special occasions, you might spoon on a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh apple slices, toasted nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce all make wonderful garnishes if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This cake loves the company of cozy drinks—think hot tea, bold coffee, or rich apple cider. For a brunch spread, serve it alongside sausage links or crisp bacon, and a bowl of tart Greek yogurt. For dessert, it pairs perfectly with fresh berries or a sharp cheddar cheese for a play of sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking your Apple Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins for adorable single servings. Cut squares or wedges and stack them on a pretty platter, alternating each layer with thin apple slices or edible flowers. You can even slice the cake horizontally and layer it with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream for a rustic layer cake twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Apple Cake Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The spices deepen as it rests, making day-two slices even more delicious!
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Once completely cool, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature, unwrap, and it will taste as moist and tender as freshly baked.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop slices of Apple Cake Recipe in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Or, give them a quick reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. A warm slice with melting ice cream or freshly whipped cream is out of this world!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! You can customize your Apple Cake Recipe with just about any baking apple. Try a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor and texture in every bite.
Can I make the Apple Cake Recipe gluten free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (ideally one with xanthan gum). Keep an eye on the texture, as gluten-free flours can sometimes produce a denser cake.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No worries! You can use full-fat plain Greek yogurt as a perfect substitute. Both add the creamy tang and moist crumb that makes this Apple Cake Recipe so irresistible.
Can I skip the nuts?
Definitely. The nuts add lovely crunch and flavor, but the cake stands beautifully on its own or with other add-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a twist.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and use a toothpick or cake tester—the key is for it to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes and check again. Cool before slicing to keep the crumb soft.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to beat a recipe that delivers this much comfort, flavor, and happiness from humble ingredients. I hope you’ll put this Apple Cake Recipe on repeat and share it with everyone you love. There’s nothing more rewarding than filling your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples and then enjoying every last bite together!
Print
Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this moist and flavorful Apple Cake. Perfect for fall baking, this easy dessert is a crowd-pleaser with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with fresh apples and nuts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Additional:
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in apples and nuts. Pour batter into pan, bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
- This cake tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
