If you’re looking for a bake that fills your kitchen with irresistible autumn aromas and delights everyone at the table, this Apple Cake is destined to become your go-to treat. Each forkful delivers tender apple pieces cloaked in a fluffy, warmly spiced crumb, with the option of a sweet vanilla glaze for that bakery-perfect touch. Whether for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or just as a sweet craving fix, this Apple Cake never disappoints—balancing simplicity, nostalgic comfort, and a burst of fresh apple flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The special charm of this Apple Cake comes from everyday ingredients that blend together for an unforgettable result. Every component plays a role in creating a buttery, moist crumb punctuated by juicy apples and fragrant warm spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and a soft, chewy crumb—don’t be tempted to substitute whole wheat, as it changes the texture.
- Baking soda: Ensures a light, fluffy rise that holds up against the juicy apples.
- Salt: A pinch brings out the sweet apple and warm spice flavors, balancing every bite.
- Cinnamon: The unmistakable soul of any classic Apple Cake—rich, warm, and aromatic.
- Nutmeg: Just a hint lends a gentle, cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moisture, richness, and that irresistible buttery taste.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb tender even days later; great for extra moistness.
- Granulated sugar: For classic sweetness that highlights the fruit and spices.
- Brown sugar (packed): Deepens flavor, adding a caramel-like note that compliments the apples.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure and classic cake texture.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens the flavors and brings them all together.
- Peeled and chopped apples: The star of the show! Choose firm, tart-sweet varieties for best results.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty toasted flavor—optional, but highly recommended.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze, optional): For a glossy finish that adds extra sweetness and visual pop.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps create a pourable, silky glaze; use any milk you prefer.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): A hint of extra vanilla makes the glaze special.
How to Make Apple Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to set the stage for even baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (with butter, nonstick spray, or parchment if you love easy cleanup). This prevents sticking and helps your Apple Cake release in beautiful, neat slices.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, setting you up for even flavor and a lovely, uniform crumb in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This step aerates the mixture and melts the sugars for a soft, moist crumb—it should look pale and fluffy. Don’t rush: it’s the foundation of a great Apple Cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. This helps emulsify the batter, locking in that luxurious, creamy texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
With your mixer on low or using a spatula, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually—just until combined. Overmixing could toughen your cake, so stop once you see only a few streaks of flour remain.
Step 6: Fold in Apples (and Nuts, if using)
Gently fold in the chopped apples (and walnuts or pecans, if you love a bit of crunch). Be generous here—a good Apple Cake is packed with apple pieces in every bite. The batter will be thick—that’s perfect for holding all that juicy fruit.
Step 7: Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top for an even bake. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. The aroma of cinnamon and apples will let you know it’s nearly done!
Step 8: Glaze (Optional)
For an extra-special finish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Drizzle over the warm (not hot) cake, letting the glaze sink into the top and form a sweet shell. This step is optional, but absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Apple Cake
Garnishes
To make each slice look as beautiful as it tastes, sprinkle with a little powdered sugar, add a dollop of barely sweetened whipped cream, or finish with thin slices of fresh apple for a pop of color and crunch. Chopped toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce give your Apple Cake true bakery appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake shines with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—especially when it’s still slightly warm. For a lighter pairing, opt for tangy Greek yogurt or crème fraîche on the side. If you’re serving it at brunch, add fresh berries or stewed fruit for an extra layer of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
You can cut the Apple Cake into rustic squares for sharing, or use round cutters for “mini cakes” at parties. Try layering cubes of cake with whipped cream and apples in jars for individual trifles, or slice and toast leftovers for a doubly delicious breakfast treat (topped with maple syrup if you’re feeling decadent).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Apple Cake will stay tender and flavorful when stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days—just keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. For longer freshness, refrigerate; the flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s slice even better.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, cut into squares, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge for a make-ahead dessert that tastes bakery-fresh.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth, pop slices of Apple Cake in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or reheat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Warmed cake is especially dreamy with the glaze melting slightly and the apples turning even sweeter and softer.
FAQs
Can I make this Apple Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the same amount. Check that your baking soda is gluten-free as well, and the cake will still turn out moist and packed with tender apple pieces.
Which apples work best in Apple Cake?
Opt for firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape during baking and bring a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake and glaze.
Can I leave out the nuts?
Of course! The nuts add texture and a bit of richness, but your Apple Cake will still be delicious and moist without them. If you like a bit of crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or chopped dried fruit instead.
How do I know when the Apple Cake is done?
Start checking at the 40-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine), the cake is ready. The top should spring back lightly when pressed and look golden brown.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply bake two pans, or double the ingredients and use a larger roasting pan if you have one. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness as you would normally.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re feeding a houseful or just craving a cozy treat for yourself. The aroma, the texture, and the comforting warmth of apples and spice make it pure joy to share. Gather your ingredients and bake up some happiness—your kitchen (and everyone in it) will thank you!
Print
Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Apple Cake recipe is a perfect treat for any time of the year. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s a great dessert option that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2–3 apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the glaze (optional): 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Batter: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour 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.
- Glaze: Let cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake if desired.
Notes
- This cake is extra moist and flavorful the next day.
- Best served warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
