Apple Cake Recipe

I’m excited to share my Apple Cake Recipe with you! This isn’t just dessert — it’s a cozy, cinnamon-kissed cake that’s soft inside, golden on top, and full of juicy apple pieces. Imagine your kitchen smelling like a tiny bakery while this beauty bakes. It’s simple to make, friendly for beginners, and guaranteed to make everyone smile around the table.

Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yield: ~10 slices
Cuisine: French-inspired

I still remember the first time I made this apple cake — we “taste-tested” warm slices before it even cooled. The mix of tender cake, sweet-tart apples, and gentle spice felt like a hug.

Description

This cake is simple, fragrant, and perfect for coffee breaks or family dinners. Here’s what makes it special:

• Lots of apples: thin slices tucked through the batter for juicy bites in every slice
• Warm cinnamon + vanilla: classic flavors that make the whole house smell amazing
• Soft, buttery crumb: light, tender cake with a lightly crisp, golden top
• Bakes in one pan: easy to mix, easy to bake, easy to love
• Serve warm or room temp: great fresh, and still lovely the next day

Ingredients

• 4 cups tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus a tiny pinch for the apples if you like)
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (soft means it dents easily when pressed)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional (finishers): a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of honey

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep the Pan:
   o Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   o Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment if you have it (helps the cake release easily).
2. Apple Prep (Easy Flavor Boost):
   o Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges (about ⅛–¼ inch thick).
   o Toss with a pinch of cinnamon; set aside so the spice hugs the fruit.
3. Start the Batter (Butter + Sugar):
   o In a large bowl, beat the soft butter and sugar together for 3–4 minutes until the mix looks pale and fluffy (like whipped frosting).
   o This traps tiny air bubbles that help the cake rise.
4. Dry Mix:
   o In a second bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
   o Whisking spreads the baking powder evenly so the cake rises the same everywhere.
5. Bring It Together:
   o Beat eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
   o Add the dry mix in two additions, mixing just until you no longer see dry flour. (Stop as soon as it blends — overmixing makes cake tough.)
6. Fold in the Apples:
   o Use a spatula to gently fold the apple slices into the batter.
   o You want them spread out nicely but still coated — don’t mash or stir hard.
7. Bake:
   o Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
   o Bake 40–45 minutes until the surface is golden and a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (no wet batter).
8. Rest and Serve:
   o Let the cake cool 10–15 minutes in the pan, then loosen the edges and turn it out onto a rack.
   o Dust with powdered sugar if you like. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Process Details

• Soft Butter Matters: If butter is too cold, it won’t whip; if it’s melted, the cake can be heavy. Room-temp butter should press in easily.
• Creaming = Air: Beating butter and sugar until fluffy gives you a lighter crumb — look for pale color and a thicker, airy texture.
• Even Apple Slices: Similar thickness means they bake at the same speed and stay tender, not crunchy.
• Don’t Overmix: Once flour is in, mix just until combined. This keeps the cake soft.
• Visual Cues: Golden top, edges pulling slightly from the pan, and a clean toothpick mean it’s done.

Tips for Success

• Use tart apples for bright flavor (Granny Smith are great).
• Spoon and level the flour (don’t pack it) to avoid a dense cake.
• If the top is browning fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
• Want a rustic look? Fan a few apple slices on top before baking.
• For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry mix.

Serving Ideas

• Classic: Serve warm with a spoon of lightly whipped cream.
• Café Style: Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey.
• Brekkie Treat: Enjoy a thin slice with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Fall Party: Pair with hot coffee or spiced tea and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: ~210
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

My Apple Cake Recipe is simple, cozy, and full of apple goodness. With basic ingredients and easy steps, you get a golden, tender cake that tastes like a special bakery treat — without any tricky techniques. I hope this becomes your go-to bake for coffee dates, family dinners, and lazy weekend afternoons. One slice in, and you’ll see why we never have leftovers at my house!