Apple Cake Recipe

There is something utterly comforting and delightfully nostalgic about this Apple Cake Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser any time of the year. With moist, tender crumb bursting with warm spices and the fresh sweetness of chopped apples, this cake feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just craving a slice of spiced apple goodness, this Apple Cake Recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a moist, flavorful cake that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cake Recipe is carefully chosen to contribute to a perfect balance of moistness, spice, and sweetness. From the fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg to the fresh chopped apples, these simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a cake full of character and rich flavor.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and light texture for the cake’s tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, keeping it light and fluffy.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warm, cozy spice that’s synonymous with apple desserts.
• Ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle hint of earthiness to deepen the flavor profile.
• Ground ginger: A touch of brightness that complements the apples and cinnamon.
• Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give lift and softness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the cake achieve a tender crust.
• Dark brown sugar: Brings rich, deep molasses notes that create moistness and complexity.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist, making each bite wonderfully soft and tender.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness and stability.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a round, sweet aroma that ties all flavors together.
• Finely chopped peeled apples: Fresh apples add bursts of juicy sweetness and wonderful texture to every bite.
• Sugar and cinnamon topping: The final touch that creates a delectably crisp and spiced crust.
• Unsalted melted butter: Enhances the topping’s richness and adds a lovely golden finish.

How to Make Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray so the cake will release easily after baking. Setting this up early helps ensure your baking process runs smoothly and without interruption.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and baking soda. This combination of spices and leavening agents lays the flavorful foundation for your moist and tender cake.

Step 3: Combine the Sugars and Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly blended. This mixture not only sweetens but adds the richness and moisture essential for a soft crumb.

Step 4: Bring Together Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to ensure your cake stays light and tender without becoming dense.

Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Apples

Carefully fold in the finely chopped peeled apples. This step ensures that every slice of your Apple Cake Recipe will have juicy bursts of fresh apple, creating moist pockets of natural sweetness throughout the cake.

Step 6: Transfer and Smooth the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. This helps the cake bake uniformly and achieve that inviting golden top.

Step 7: Prepare and Add the Topping

In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the unbaked cake. This topping will transform during baking into a crisp, spiced layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake beneath.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This step is key to avoiding overbaking, which can dry out the cake, or underbaking, which leaves it too dense.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps the flavors settle and makes slicing the cake much easier while preserving its moist texture.

How to Serve Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Apple Cake Recipe by topping it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle some toasted chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar. These garnishes add an extra layer of indulgence and create a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

This apple cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat or dessert. For a brunch option, serve alongside a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar or mild brie which complements the spiced apple flavor beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dessert table, cut the Apple Cake Recipe into rustic squares and arrange on a wooden board lined with parchment. Add fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks as decoration around the platter. Another fun idea is to serve warm slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or even a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt for a balance of flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple cake keeps well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The moist crumb holds up nicely, although the topping may soften slightly, so freshening up with a quick toast in the oven can revive the texture.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this Apple Cake Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a low oven to recapture that fresh-baked taste and softness.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, reheat a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or place it in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the delightful aroma of spices and softens the apples, making it just like it came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this Apple Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness, feel free to use any apple variety you love. Just keep in mind that very soft or red apples may make the cake sweeter and moister.

Is it possible to make this apple cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum to preserve the cake’s structure and texture.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake batter?

Definitely! Toasted walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries introduce bursts of sweet chewiness. Just fold in about ½ cup when you add the apples.

How do I know when my apple cake is fully baked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter. The cake should also pull slightly away from the edges of the pan.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes, bake the batter in lined muffin tins at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is a great way to enjoy the Apple Cake Recipe as individual treats!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cake Recipe is a wonderful, approachable way to bring cozy autumn flavors into your home any day of the year. Its combination of spice, tender apples, and moist crumb makes it an instant classic that’s sure to delight every time. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and maybe even make it a new family tradition.

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