Introduction
Apple Cake is a timeless dessert loved for its moist crumb, warm spices, and tender chunks of fresh apples. It’s simple, rustic, and comforting—perfect for tea time, holidays, or whenever you want a cozy homemade treat.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Apple cakes appear in many cultures across Europe and North America, especially in regions where apples are abundant. Variations range from dense German-style apple cakes to light American versions and spice-rich Eastern European recipes. Traditionally, they’re baked in autumn during apple harvest season and shared at family gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted) or oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled)
Optional Topping
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Raisins
- Caramel drizzle
- Cream cheese glaze
Tips for Success
✔ Use firm apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) so they don’t turn mushy
✔ Toss apple pieces in a little flour to keep them from sinking
✔ Don’t overmix batter—this keeps cake soft
✔ Let cake cool before slicing for clean pieces
Instructions
1. Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 pan or round cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
4. Combine
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in apples.
5. Bake
Pour batter into pan. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping if using.
Bake 35–45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool
Let cool 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Description
This apple cake is soft, fragrant, and gently spiced with tender apple bites in every slice. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect with tea or coffee.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice – 9 slices)
- Calories: 230
- Carbs: 32 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 9 g
Conclusion
Apple Cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, deeply comforting, and endlessly customizable—exactly the kind of recipe every home baker should keep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Custard sauce
- Hot tea or coffee
Healthful Indulgence Tip
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly for a more wholesome version that still tastes delicious.