Apple Cake

Introduction

There is something timeless about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and warm cake drifting through the kitchen. I still remember the first time I baked an apple cake on a chilly autumn afternoon, inspired by the apples freshly picked from a nearby orchard. It wasn’t just a dessert; it felt like baking comfort into every bite. That day, I learned how a simple recipe could fill a home with happiness. Now, I’m sharing that same nostalgic apple cake recipe with you, just as I, Ella chef, have made it for years—soft, spiced, and beautifully topped with tender apple slices.

Classic Apple Cake

A soft and moist cinnamon-apple cake topped with tender apples and crunchy crumble. Perfect for fall or any cozy day.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

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Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Topping

• 2 apples thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Equipment

• 9-inch Cake Pan
• Mixing Bowls

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. Whisk flour, baking powder, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the batter until smooth.
6. Pour batter into cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Arrange apple slices on top and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
8. Bake 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

Best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Make the Recipe

Making a delicious apple cake begins with choosing the right apples. Firm, sweet-tart apples such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith work beautifully because they hold their shape and add natural flavor without becoming mushy. Once your apples are sliced, the rest of the cake comes together with basic pantry ingredients.

Start by creaming together softened butter and sugar. This step is important because it builds air into the batter, giving the cake a soft crumb. After the butter mixture turns pale and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon—this keeps the dry ingredients evenly distributed before mixing into the wet ones.

Next, add the flour mixture to the batter in two additions, alternating with milk to keep the batter smooth. Once combined, pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and level the top. Arrange your apple slices in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping, to create a beautiful topping. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon before baking to create a golden, caramelized crust.

Bake the cake until the top springs back when touched or a toothpick comes out clean. After cooling slightly, the cake can be served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or enjoyed plain. The texture is soft and moist, with tender apples adding the perfect bite. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. This is a cake meant to feel cozy, homemade, and perfect for sharing.

Conclusion

Apple cake is one of those comforting recipes that never goes out of style. Whether baked for a family gathering, a holiday dessert table, or simply to make an ordinary day feel special, it always brings warmth to the table. With simple ingredients and a touch of cinnamon, every slice delivers a balance of sweetness, spice, and fruit. I hope this recipe inspires you to slow down, enjoy the smell of apples baking, and create a moment worth remembering—just like it has for me, Ella chef, time and time again.