Apple cake is that one dessert that feels like a warm hug from Grandma’s kitchen. Sweet apples, warm spices, and a soft, moist cake come together to create a treat that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cooled with a dusting of powdered sugar, apple cake is perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or even a quick weekday dessert. This recipe is easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress your guests. Let’s dive into a simple apple cake recipe that brings the magic of homemade baking right to your kitchen.
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at everything you need to know before you start baking:
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American / European |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 8–10 |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45–50 minutes |
| Calories (per slice) | 280–320 |
Equipment Needed
To bake the perfect apple cake, you don’t need fancy tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: At least two, one for dry ingredients and one for wet.
- Whisk and/or hand mixer: For combining batter smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking.
- Peeler and knife: For prepping the apples.
- Cutting board: Safe surface for chopping apples.
- Grater or zester (optional): For zesting lemon or finely grating apples.
- 9-inch round or square baking pan: Greased or lined with parchment paper.
- Cooling rack: Allows even cooling after baking.
- Toothpick: To test doneness of the cake.
- Spatula: For mixing and scraping batter into the pan.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this apple cake:
- 2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup milk or yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In one bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light. Add oil, vanilla, and milk/yogurt. Mix well.
- Combine: Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Add apples and nuts: Fold in chopped apples and optional nuts.
- Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Essential Note:
Chop apples small and evenly for the best texture. Don’t overmix the batter—this can make the cake dense. You can use tart apples like Granny Smith or mix varieties for a richer flavor. Also, this cake tastes even better the next day!
