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Easy Apple Cake Recipe

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Easy Apple Cake Recipe: Moist Homemade Dessert for Fall Baking

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When it comes to fall baking, nothing beats the comforting aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and sugar filling your kitchen. This easy apple cake recipe delivers the perfect balance of moist texture, rustic flavor, and homestyle charm. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday dessert table, or simply enjoying a cozy weekend treat, this cake is an all-time favorite.

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Unlike complicated desserts, this recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers but delicious enough to impress any guest. The use of fresh apples, cinnamon, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) creates a tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days. Add in optional nuts, raisins, or a cinnamon-sugar topping, and you’ve got a cake that tastes just like mom used to make.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake

  • Moist & Flavorful: Thanks to sour cream or Greek yogurt, the cake stays soft and tender.
  • Rustic & Simple: No fancy decorating—just wholesome ingredients and incredible flavor.
  • Versatile: Perfect for brunch, afternoon coffee, or holiday dinners.
  • Family-Friendly: A kid-approved dessert with the option to add nuts or raisins.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding your ingredients helps you achieve bakery-quality results:

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  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cake soft.
  • Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Creates lift for a light, fluffy crumb.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that enhances apple flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender texture.
  • Granulated & Brown Sugar: A combination of sugars creates depth and caramel-like sweetness.
  • Eggs: Bind the batter and add stability.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and prevents dryness.
  • Apples: Use tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apples from browning and brightens flavor.
  • Optional Add-Ins: Walnuts, pecans, raisins, or cranberries add texture and variety.
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: A rustic finishing touch that gives the cake a sweet crust.

Tips and Tricks

  • Always use room temperature butter and eggs for even mixing.
  • Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the cake light.
  • Test doneness with a toothpick in the center.
  • For extra moisture, store the cake covered overnight before serving.
  • Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Variations and Customizations

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Healthier Twist: Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour.
  • Spiced Version: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a holiday flavor.
  • Caramel Drizzle: Top slices with homemade caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
  • Bundt Cake Style: Bake in a bundt pan for a show-stopping presentation.

Pairing Suggestions

This apple cake pairs beautifully with:

  • A cup of hot coffee or spiced tea
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream topping
  • Caramel sauce for a bakery-style dessert
  • A glass of warm apple cider for the ultimate fall pairing

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Popular Questions

1. What are the best apples for apple cake?
Firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and add the best flavor.

2. Can I make this apple cake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors blend together.

3. How do I keep apple cake moist?
Using sour cream or Greek yogurt ensures the crumb stays soft and tender. Storing it properly also prevents drying out.

4. Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
Yes—just increase the bake time by 5–10 minutes and check with a toothpick.

Easy Apple Cake Recipe
Caroline

Easy Apple Cake Recipe

This moist and fluffy apple cake is the perfect fall dessert! Packed with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a tender crumb, it’s simple to make and ideal for cozy gatherings, holidays, or an everyday treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 medium apples (about 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional topping)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional topping)

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
  • mixing bowls
  • hand or stand mixer
  • spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • parchment paper (optional)

Method
 

  1. Peel, core, and chop apples into small cubes. Toss with lemon juice and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pan.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. In another bowl, beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  6. Stir in sour cream or yogurt until smooth.
  7. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
  8. Gently fold in apples and optional nuts or raisins.
  9. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.
  10. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. (For loaf pan, add 5–10 minutes.)
  11. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For best results, use firm, tart apples.
  • Do not overmix the batter—fold gently for a tender cake.
  • Cover with foil if the cake browns too quickly.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps.

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