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Apple Cake Recipe

This Apple Cake Recipe is the perfect way to celebrate fresh apples! It’s soft, moist, and warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Using simple ingredients, this Easy Apple Cake With Fresh Apples creates a bakery-quality dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for cozy gatherings, brunch, or an after-dinner treat, this cake is a timeless favorite among Apple Dessert Recipes lovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup 115 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 100 g light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup 120 ml milk or sour cream
  • 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • Optional Crumb Topping for Apple Coffee Cake version:
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp butter cold and cubed

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven:
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
  4. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Cream Butter and Sugar:
  6. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  7. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
  8. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  9. Combine Mixtures:
  10. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk or sour cream. Mix until just combined.
  11. Fold in Apples:
  12. Gently fold in diced apples. The batter will be thick — that’s what keeps the cake moist.
  13. Optional Crumb Topping:
  14. For an Apple Coffee Cake, combine the crumb topping ingredients and sprinkle over the batter.
  15. Bake:
  16. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  17. Cool and Serve:
  18. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel if desired.

Notes

  • Best Apples: Use firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for texture and balance.
  • Do Not Overmix: Stir gently to keep your cake soft and fluffy.
  • Add Texture: Include chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for variation.
  • Healthier Option: Substitute half the butter with applesauce for a lower-fat, extra-moist cake.
  • Storage: Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
  • Serving Ideas: Pair with coffee, tea, or warm custard — it’s also perfect as a brunch Apple Coffee Cake.