There’s something magical about the combination of apples and cinnamon, especially when it’s baked into a warm, tender cake. This Easy Apple Cake Recipe is everything you want in a dessert—simple, delicious, and comforting. With just a few basic ingredients and an easy process, you’ll have a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something sweet for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert after dinner, this apple cake has got you covered. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques—just peel, slice, and mix. The apples bake beautifully into the cake, giving it a natural sweetness and moist texture that pairs perfectly with the hint of cinnamon. I first baked this apple cake when I had a few extra apples lying around, and now it’s become a family favorite. It’s simple enough to make on a whim but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or family gathering. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started with the first steps of making this delightful apple cake.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thinly)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

These simple ingredients come together to create a cake that’s lightly spiced and full of sweet apple flavor. The butter and milk keep the cake moist, while the apples add a lovely texture and natural sweetness that balances the cinnamon perfectly. STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN AND PREPARE THE PAN Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan. Greasing the pan ensures the cake won’t stick, and flouring it helps the cake rise evenly without any sticky spots. If you prefer, you can also line the pan with parchment paper for an even easier release. STEP 2: MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This will combine the dry ingredients and ensure the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. It’s a quick step, but it makes a big difference in the texture and flavor of the cake. STEP 3: BEAT THE WET INGREDIENTS In a separate large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the batter, giving the cake its soft, tender texture. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk, and mix until everything is well combined.

  At this stage, the wet ingredients should be smooth and creamy, and you’ll be ready to bring in the dry ingredients. COMBINE, BAKE, AND ENJOY YOUR EASY APPLE CAKE Now that your wet and dry ingredients are ready to be combined, it’s time to mix everything together and get this cake in the oven. This is where the magic happens—mixing, baking, and watching your kitchen fill with the irresistible scent of apples and cinnamon. With each step, your simple ingredients will turn into a warm, golden apple cake that’s soft, moist, and absolutely delicious. Let’s walk through the final steps to make sure this cake turns out perfectly. STEP 4: COMBINE WET AND DRY INGREDIENTS Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter at this stage to keep the cake light and fluffy. The batter should be thick, but not too dense. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated, but stop mixing once you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough, so it’s best to keep it gentle.

  STEP 5: ADD THE APPLE SLICES Once your batter is ready, it’s time to fold in the sliced apples. Arrange them evenly over the batter and press them gently into the mixture. The apples should be lightly nestled into the cake batter, not submerged completely, so they can soften and caramelize as the cake bakes. The natural juices from the apples will also add extra moisture to the cake while it bakes.

  STEP 6: POUR AND SMOOTH THE BATTER Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This will ensure that the batter spreads evenly and bakes into a smooth, uniform cake. STEP 7: BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN BROWN Place the cake in the 350°F (175°C) preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be set and firm to the touch. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking. Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

  STEP 8: COOL BEFORE SERVING Once the cake is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. After 10 minutes, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re in a rush, you can enjoy it warm, but it’s easier to slice and serve once it’s cooled down. STEP 9: DUST WITH POWDERED SUGAR (OPTIONAL) For a simple finishing touch, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. This adds a little sweetness and a delicate look, perfect for serving guests or just enjoying as a treat. You can also skip the dusting and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to make it extra special.

 

FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON EASY APPLE CAKE RECIPE:

Now that your cake is cooling and you’re preparing to enjoy a slice, let’s take a moment to answer some common questions and share a few helpful tips to make sure your Easy Apple Cake turns out perfect every time. Whether you’ve made this cake before or it’s your first time, these FAQs will help you troubleshoot, store, and add some fun variations to your apple cake. 1. CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF APPLE? Yes, absolutely! While any apple will work in this recipe, it’s best to use apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness and won’t turn mushy during baking. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use apples like Gala or Golden Delicious. 2. CAN I MAKE THIS CAKE AHEAD OF TIME? Yes! This cake actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors have more time to meld. Once it’s completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer a slightly denser texture. Just bring it to room temperature before serving, or warm it slightly in the oven. 3. HOW CAN I MAKE THIS CAKE GLUTEN-FREE? To make this apple cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum, which helps give the cake structure. The texture will be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious. 4. WHAT CAN I USE IF I DON’T HAVE MILK? If you’re out of milk or prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute with any plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The flavor will remain similar, and your cake will still turn out moist and soft. 5. CAN I ADD NUTS OR OTHER MIX-INS TO THIS CAKE? Yes! Feel free to add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for some extra crunch. You can also stir in raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness. Just fold them into the batter gently to avoid deflating it. 6. WHY DID MY CAKE TURN OUT TOO DENSE? If your cake is too dense, it’s likely that the batter was overmixed, or the flour wasn’t sifted properly. Overmixing activates the gluten, leading to a denser texture. Make sure to mix until just combined and sift the flour to avoid lumps. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh to ensure the cake rises properly. 7. CAN I TURN THIS CAKE INTO CUPCAKES? Yes, you can! Simply divide the batter evenly among a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at the same temperature. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THIS EASY APPLE CAKE SHOULD BE A GO-TO RECIPE

This Easy Apple Cake Recipe is one of those versatile desserts that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether it’s apple season or you’re just craving something comforting and simple, this cake delivers on every level—moist, flavorful, and made with just a few pantry staples. The soft crumb, warm cinnamon-spiced flavor, and sweet apple slices make it an instant crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy enough to make on a whim. What makes this recipe even better is how adaptable it is—you can customize it with different apples, add-ins like nuts or dried fruit, or make it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s a great option for anyone new to baking because it’s straightforward and forgiving. I hope this Easy Apple Cake becomes a regular in your baking rotation. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add any fun twists? How did you serve it? Let me know in the comments! Need a printable version or step-by-step instructions for future baking? Feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help make your apple cake even easier to make. Print