If you are on the hunt for a comforting, deliciously tender dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of tender crumb, moist texture, and fragrant spices, this cake transforms humble apples into a star feature that shines with every bite. It’s such a simple recipe to pull together, yet yields a cake that tastes like you spent hours mastering it – flawless for any occasion or just because you deserve a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to this Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake Recipe’s exceptional flavor and texture. Each addition plays an essential role, from the flour giving structure to the apples adding natural moisture and sweetness, creating a genuinely unforgettable cake.
- 2 cups plain / all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, lending structure and a tender crumb.
- 3/4 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise just right, making it airy without being heavy.
- 3/4 tsp each salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves: Spices infuse warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the apples.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds that subtle, nutty spice for extra character.
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar: Sweetens the cake, balancing tartness of the apples.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender, making every bite luscious.
- 2 large eggs at room temperature: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with its sweet, floral notes.
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apple (about 2 large or 3 small): The star ingredient for moisture and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup flaked raw almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal on top.
- Icing sugar (confectioners sugar), for dusting: A simple finish that adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
How to Make Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F) – a steady moderate temperature is key to baking this cake evenly. Meanwhile, grease and line a 21 cm (9″) springform cake pan with parchment paper. This ensures your cake releases smoothly and keeps its lovely shape.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients creates a wonderfully spiced base that will marry beautifully with the sweet apples.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil and sugar until well combined. Then add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy – this is where your cake’s moistness starts to build.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry, then gently stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so keep it gentle here. Fold in the diced apples, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts for an extra nutty bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and sprinkle the flaked almonds evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Start checking at the 50-minute mark – a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with icing sugar for a simple yet elegant finishing touch. This cake’s moistness means it can stand on its own or make for a beautiful base topped with cream or ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Serve Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of icing sugar is all it really needs to dress it up beautifully. You can also sprinkle some extra flaked almonds on the side of each slice for an elegant crunch, or add a dollop of softly whipped cream infused with a hint of vanilla to complement the spices.
Side Dishes
This apple cake pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee. These sides elevate the flavors without overpowering the cake’s natural charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake Recipe into individual servings? Use ramekins for mini cakes baked in muffin tins, topped with a sprinkle of almonds before baking. Another idea is layering slices with mascarpone and cinnamon in parfait glasses for a lovely deconstructed presentation that wows at brunches or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover apple cake will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The moist texture holds up well, though it’s always tastiest fresh. You can also refrigerate it if your kitchen is warm, but bring slices back to room temperature before eating for the best experience.
Freezing
This cake freezes brilliantly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature to retain its gorgeous moistness.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the whole cake in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 10-15 minutes. This quick warming brings back the fresh-from-the-oven sensation with soft crumbs and tender apples.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in the cake?
Absolutely! Apples like Granny Smith add tartness, while Fuji or Gala provide extra sweetness. Just make sure to peel and dice them evenly for consistent texture throughout the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep an eye on moisture levels as gluten-free flours sometimes absorb liquids differently.
Can I replace the vegetable oil with something else?
Vegetable oil helps keep the cake moist, but you can use light olive oil or melted coconut oil for a subtle twist. Avoid heavy oils to maintain the delicate crumb.
Do I have to use a springform pan?
While a springform pan helps with easier removal, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan. Just be sure to grease and line it well to prevent sticking.
How long will the cake stay moist after baking?
This cake stays moist for several days if stored properly in an airtight container. The apples ensure it maintains a tender texture longer than many traditional cakes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves a no-fuss, irresistibly moist cake that brings together the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite. It’s a perfect bake to share with friends, family, or simply enjoy as your own little slice of comfort. So grab those apples, warm up your oven, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite go-to dessert.
Print
Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake is a simple and delicious dessert featuring tender apple cubes, warm spices, and a crunchy almond topping. Perfectly moist and subtly spiced, this cake is ideal for any occasion and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carb soda)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (or 1/4 tsp freshly ground)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature (55-60g/2oz each)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups apple, peeled, cored and cut into 8mm / 1/3 inch cubes (~2 large or 3 small apples)
- 1/2 cup flaked raw almonds
- Icing sugar (confectioners sugar), for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for all oven types to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Pan: Grease and line a 21 cm (9 inch) springform cake pan with baking paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil and sugar until evenly blended. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, gently stir until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the cubed apples carefully. Optionally, add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or other nuts if desired.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and evenly sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Check doneness at 50 minutes by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar before serving. This cake is wonderfully moist and delicious on its own, but pairs beautifully with cream or ice cream if you wish.
Notes
- Note 1: Using plain or all-purpose flour works best for the texture of the cake.
- Note 2: White sugar is used here for sweetness, but you may substitute with a natural sugar alternative if desired.
- Note 3: Using fresh apples peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes ensures tender fruit pieces throughout the cake.
- Note 4: Greasing and lining the springform pan helps in easy removal of the cake without breaking it.
- Optional: Add nuts such as chopped walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
