Go Back
Apple Cake

Apple Cake Recipe

This Apple Cake is a moist, spiced, and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a soft, tender crumb, it's easy to prepare and customizable with nuts, raisins, or a caramel drizzle. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed with coffee, this homemade cake is a delicious treat. Plus, it's adaptable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Simple to make and full of comforting flavors, this Apple Cake is sure to become a family favorite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, European, German
Servings 6 People
Calories 2600 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls:
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons:
  • Knife and Cutting Board:
  • Apple Peeler and Corer (Optional)
  • 9-inch Cake Pan or Baking Dish
  • Pastry brush (optional)
  • Oven Thermometer (Optional)
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester –
  • Wire Cooling Rack

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk (or almond/oat milk for a dairy-free option)

Apple Mixture:

  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)

Optional Add-ins:

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
  • ¼ cup raisins (for extra sweetness)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Peel, core, and dice the apples, then toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the milk until well combined.
  • Combine & Fold in Apples
    Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and any optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins. Do not overmix.
  • Bake & Cool
    Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Choosing the Right Apples – Use Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Fuji for natural sweetness, or a mix of both for balanced flavor.
Avoid Overmixing – Stir the batter gently to prevent a dense texture. Overmixing leads to a tough cake.
Baking Time May Vary – Oven temperatures can differ, so start checking at 40 minutes using a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Cooling is Key – Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cutting it too soon may cause crumbling.
Storage Tips – Keep at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Keyword Apple Cake Recipe