A Deliciously Moist and Easy Dessert

Introduction

Nothing says comfort like a slice of warm, homemade apple cake. Whether you’re looking for the perfect fall treat, a simple dessert to bring to a gathering, or just something sweet to enjoy with your morning coffee, this apple cake recipe is sure to impress. Made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, this cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make the best apple cake from scratch, including helpful tips, variations, and storage advice. So, preheat your oven and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – No fancy techniques required; just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Moist and Flavorful – Apples and applesauce make this cake extra moist and naturally sweet.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast.
Customizable – You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious apple cake, gather the following ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups diced apple (about 2 medium apples)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Apples – Use firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best results.
Butter & Applesauce – The applesauce keeps the cake moist and reduces the need for extra butter.
Brown Sugar – Enhances the cake’s caramel-like sweetness; you can use coconut sugar as an alternative.
Cinnamon & Vanilla – These warm flavors bring out the best in the apples.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch baking pan
Spatula
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, applesauce, and eggs using an electric mixer until foamy and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Apples

Gently stir in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

This apple cake pairs perfectly with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A drizzle of caramel sauce
A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Extra Spice: Add nutmeg or allspice for a richer fall flavor.
Lighter Version: Replace butter with more applesauce for a lower-fat option.

FAQ

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, while Honeycrisp and Fuji apples add extra sweetness.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake stays fresh for several days and tastes even better the next day.

What if I don’t have applesauce?

You can substitute it with mashed bananas or Greek yogurt.

Final Thoughts

This homemade apple cake is simple, moist, and packed with fall flavors. Whether you serve it for dessert or as a snack, it’s sure to be a hit! If you try this recipe, share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

Happy baking! 🍏🍰

The Ultimate Apple Cake Recipe