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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.
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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.