Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall (or anytime, really!), this Apple Cake is the perfect recipe. Bursting with juicy apples and fragrant spices, this cake is moist, tender, and packed with apple goodness. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion—whether it's a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends and family. This recipe is paired with a simple cinnamon glaze, though you can enjoy it as-is or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. Keep reading for the full recipe, substitutions, and baking tips!

What is Apple Cake?

Apple Cake is a simple, rustic cake that highlights fresh apples as the main ingredient. The cake itself is moist and lightly spiced, often featuring warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The apples, either grated or chopped, melt into the cake, adding natural sweetness and texture. This dessert is particularly popular in the fall when apples are in season, but it can be enjoyed year-round. It’s perfect as a dessert, but also works great as a coffee cake for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients List for Apple Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for added moisture)
• 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2-3 medium apples)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cinnamon Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Apple Cake is how customizable it is. Here are some substitutions and variations to make it your own:

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Apples: Use any variety of apples you like, but firmer varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best for baking because they hold their shape well.
• Vegetable Oil: You can replace vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer, buttery flavor, or use coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist.
• Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: If you don’t have sour cream or Greek yogurt, buttermilk or plain whole-milk yogurt can be used instead to add moisture.
• Nuts: Swap out walnuts or pecans for almonds, hazelnuts, or skip them entirely if you prefer a nut-free cake.

Flavor Variations:

• Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle the cake with caramel sauce instead of cinnamon glaze for a rich, decadent treat.
• Spiced Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ground ginger and allspice for an extra spicy cake with warm autumn flavors.
• Apple and Raisin Cake: Fold ½ cup of raisins or golden raisins into the batter for added sweetness and texture.

Add-Ins:

• Chocolate Chips: For a delicious twist, stir ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter.
• Coconut: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor element.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cake

Now, let’s walk through how to make this delicious Apple Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven

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

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

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

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until well combined and smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or stirring by hand just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

5. Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (if using) with a spatula, ensuring that the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Pour into the Pan

Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. Bake the Cake

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

8. Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make the Cinnamon Glaze (Optional)

While the cake is cooling, you can whip up the simple Cinnamon Glaze:

1. Combine the Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin.

2. Drizzle the Glaze

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or fork, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Stir the batter gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough or dense, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Draining Excess Liquid from Apples: If using very juicy apples, you may want to drain or lightly squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the batter. Too much liquid can affect the cake’s texture.
• Not Cooling the Cake Properly: Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing. If the cake is warm, the glaze may melt and become too runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Apple Cake

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of this apple cake with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• With Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for a simple yet elegant presentation.
• As a Coffee Cake: Enjoy this cake in the morning with a cup of coffee or tea—it’s not too sweet, making it a perfect companion for breakfast or brunch.

Presentation Ideas for Apple Cake

• Rustic Look: For a more rustic look, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving, or leave it unglazed for a simpler presentation.
• Layered Apples: Before baking, arrange thin slices of apples on top of the cake batter for a beautiful, decorative look.
• Add a Drizzle of Caramel: For a more decadent finish, drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of the cake and glaze.

Apple Cake Recipe Tips

• Use Firm Apples: For the best texture, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape during baking and don’t turn mushy.
• Chop the Apples Evenly: To ensure even baking, chop your apples into uniform pieces, about ½-inch cubes.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, sour cream, and other ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together more smoothly and ensures even baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake this cake 1-2 days in advance. Once the cake has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Wait to add the glaze until just before serving to keep it fresh.

How long does Apple Cake last?

The cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, though it may become slightly denser when chilled.

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 overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and add the glaze just before serving.

What other types of apples work well in this recipe?

Besides Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, you can also use Fuji, Gala, Jonagold, or Braeburn apples. Just make sure to use a variety that holds its shape well when baked.

Can I use a Bundt pan for this recipe?

Yes! You can bake this apple cake in a Bundt pan instead of a round or square cake pan. Just make sure to grease and flour the Bundt pan well. The baking time may increase by about 10 minutes, so keep an eye on it.

Conclusion

This Apple Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the cozy, comforting flavors of fall (or anytime you’re craving a delicious fruit-filled dessert). With its moist, tender crumb, warm spices, and juicy apples, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that works for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Whether you choose to drizzle it with cinnamon glaze, caramel sauce, or serve it plain, every bite is sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new go-to apple dessert in your collection!

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