If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s bursting with the warmth of cinnamon and fresh apples, you’ve stumbled upon a true gem: the Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe. This cake perfectly balances tender crumb and moist texture, all wrapped in flavors that evoke nostalgic comfort. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a slice of pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe plays a vital role in crafting its irresistible flavor and texture. From the all-purpose flour that forms the cake’s body to the cinnamon that adds a spicy hug, each element is simple yet essential.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This flour serves as the foundation of the cake, providing structure and softness.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to a beautiful golden crust through caramelization.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: A leavening agent that lifts the cake, making it light and fluffy.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Provides warmth and depth of flavor, giving the cake that classic apple-spice note.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence: Boosts flavor complexity with a subtle aromatic sweetness.
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples: Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
How to Make Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature, so the cake bakes evenly. Don’t forget to grease your 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly with vegetable oil or butter — this simple step prevents sticking and helps achieve a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This dry mix forms the flavorful and fragrant base of your apple cake. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, creating a consistent taste in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy—this introduces air that helps the cake rise. Then add the vegetable oil and vanilla essence, blending them together to create a smooth, luscious wet mixture that enhances moisture and aroma.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing here—stirring too much can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Carefully fold the peeled, chopped apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed. These tender apple pieces add juicy bursts of flavor and texture, which make this Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe stand out with every forkful.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step requires a little patience but the reward is a cake with a perfect crumb and rich apple flavor.
Step 7: Cool and Unmold
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a cooling rack. Cooling is crucial as it helps the cake set properly and keeps it from crumbling when sliced.
How to Serve Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This apple cake shines on its own but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. Warm caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also add an inviting finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your slice of Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe with a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee for a comforting break. For a brunch twist, serve alongside whipped cream or mascarpone cheese and fresh berries for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, present your apple cake on a decorative platter, garnished with thin slices of fresh apples arranged like petals. You can even serve individual slices with a cinnamon stick as a stirrer in a warm cup of apple cider for a charming fall-inspired treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover apple cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain moisture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake for longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delightful taste or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your chilled or frozen slice, gently warm it in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes. This revives the softness and brings out those comforting apple aromas all over again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent for their balance of tart and sweet, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that some apples are sweeter, which might slightly alter the cake’s flavor.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Choose one that already contains xanthan gum for best results to maintain the cake’s texture and structure.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can bring extra texture and flavor. Toss them lightly with a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
How can I make the cake more moist?
If you prefer an extra moist cake, you can add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients. This adds tenderness and a subtle tang that complements the apples.
Can this cake be made into cupcakes?
Yes, the batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Fill lined muffin tins about two-thirds full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, ideal for welcoming fall or brightening any day. Its straightforward ingredients and easy steps make it perfect for bakers of all levels, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and share the joy with those you love.
Print
Simple and Delicious Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This simple and delicious apple cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a tender crumb, it combines sweet and spiced notes in every bite. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s ideal for home bakers seeking a classic apple treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla essence
- 3 cups Peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan using vegetable oil or butter to prevent the cake from sticking after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they are well mixed to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and frothy, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla essence. Mix well to combine the wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cake dense.
- Fold in apples: Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed, adding moisture and texture to the cake.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the apple cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or served with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Test doneness with a toothpick before removing the cake from the oven.
- Allow cake to cool slightly before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Optional toppings include powdered sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
