There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked apple cake filling your kitchen. This Easy Apple Cake Recipe is a wonderful homemade dessert that strikes the perfect balance between soft, moist cake and crisp, tender apples throughout. It’s a cozy treat that feels just right any time of year but especially during the cooler months when apples are in season. What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to make, yet how delicious the result turns out. The batter is enriched with yogurt or sour cream for extra moisture, and the cinnamon and apples bring warmth and sweetness without being overpowering. Plus, the optional cinnamon-sugar topping adds a lovely crunch that makes each bite a little more special. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this apple cake recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Let’s start by gathering the ingredients and getting the batter ready.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream (for moistness)

For the topping (optional):

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

These ingredients create a batter that’s light yet moist, with juicy apples throughout and a hint of warm spice. The yogurt or sour cream is key to keeping the cake tender and soft. STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR OVEN AND PAN Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out with a beautiful crust. STEP 2: MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture brings the right balance of lift and flavor to your cake. STEP 3: CREAM BUTTER AND SUGAR In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or simply a spoon—either works well.

  BEAT, MIX, FOLD, AND BAKE YOUR EASY APPLE CAKE Now that your butter and sugar are creamed to fluffy perfection and your dry ingredients are ready, it’s time to bring everything together and fold in those fresh, juicy apples. These steps are crucial to creating a soft, moist apple cake with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. Let’s get baking! STEP 4: ADD THE EGGS AND VANILLA Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely, warm aroma that complements the apples beautifully. STEP 5: MIX DRY INGREDIENTS WITH YOGURT ALTERNATELY Add the flour mixture to the butter and eggs alternately with the yogurt or sour cream—starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently after each addition until just combined. This keeps the batter tender and prevents it from becoming dense or tough. Remember, a little lumpiness is okay; don’t overmix! STEP 6: FOLD IN THE SLICED APPLES Gently fold the thinly sliced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them up. These apples add moisture and bursts of natural sweetness in every bite.

  STEP 7: POUR BATTER INTO THE PAN AND ADD TOPPING Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’re using the optional topping, sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the batter. This topping will create a deliciously sweet and slightly crunchy crust once baked.

  STEP 8: BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN AND DONE Bake your apple cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and fragrant. STEP 9: COOL BEFORE SERVING Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set up, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures the cake slices nicely and maintains its soft texture.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLE CAKE

• Use fresh, firm apples for the best texture. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
• The cinnamon-sugar topping is optional but highly recommended for added flavor and crunch.
• Serve the cake plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

 

FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON EASY APPLE CAKE RECIPE FOR PERFECT HOMEMADE DESSERT

Your apple cake is now baked to golden perfection, cooled just right, and ready to be enjoyed. This simple yet flavorful dessert is a fantastic way to celebrate fresh apples and cozy flavors. Before you dig in, let’s cover some frequently asked questions and share a few final tips to help you make the best apple cake every time. 1. CAN I USE FROZEN OR CANNED APPLES? While fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen apples or drained canned apples in a pinch. Just be sure to pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter. 2. WHAT OTHER SPICES CAN I ADD? Try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the dry ingredients for a more complex spice profile that complements the cinnamon. 3. CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE YOGURT OR SOUR CREAM? Yes! You can use buttermilk or even milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice as a substitute. These will keep the cake moist but may slightly alter the texture. 4. HOW SHOULD I STORE LEFTOVER CAKE? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. 5. CAN I MAKE THIS CAKE IN A LOAF PAN? Definitely! Adjust baking time to about 55-65 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick. 6. CAN I ADD NUTS OR RAISINS? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make excellent additions to the batter for extra texture and flavor. FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THIS EASY APPLE CAKE RECIPE SHOULD BE YOUR GO-TO DESSERT This Easy Apple Cake Recipe strikes the perfect balance between moist, tender cake and fresh, slightly crisp apples, all enhanced by warm cinnamon and vanilla. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers cozy, homemade comfort with minimal fuss—ideal for weeknight desserts, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a slice of homemade goodness. The best part? It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices, toppings, or add-ins. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream, this cake is sure to please. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your favorite variations and serving ideas in the comments! Looking for more easy, delicious dessert recipes? Just ask—I’m here to help you make baking simple and enjoyable every time. Print