There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy aroma of a homemade apple cake baking in the oven. This Apple Cake Recipe is soft, moist, and packed with chunks of fresh apples, making it the perfect dessert for fall—or any time of year! Whether you’re serving it as a snack, a dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat, this cake is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and fill your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon and apples.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, this apple cake is an excellent choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake

Here are all the reasons this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen:

Soft and Moist Texture:
Each bite is tender and fluffy, thanks to the fresh apples and perfectly balanced batter.
Easy to Make:
No complicated techniques or equipment required—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Serve it as a dessert for family dinners, as a snack with coffee, or as a sweet treat for gatherings.
Customizable:
Add nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra special touch.
Seasonal and Comforting:
The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a soft cake base makes this dessert the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients for Apple Cake

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully:

1. Apples

Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.

2. All-Purpose Flour

The base of the cake batter, providing structure and softness.

3. Sugar

Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar enhances the cake with a hint of caramel-like flavor.

4. Eggs

Eggs bind the batter together and contribute to its fluffy texture.

5. Oil

Vegetable oil or melted butter keeps the cake moist and tender.

6. Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Warm spices that elevate the flavor and bring out the natural sweetness of the apples.

7. Baking Powder and Baking Soda

These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully.

8. Optional Add-ins

Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Optional Toppings

Powdered Sugar: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a classic presentation.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel over the top for a decadent touch.
Whipped Cream: Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Make Apple Cake

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious apple cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper. Peel, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples (and any optional add-ins) until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–50 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 before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or add your desired toppings before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments:

Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with your favorite cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
Yogurt: Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter breakfast option.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cake

Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Line the Pan: Lining the pan with parchment paper ensures the cake doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
Customize the Add-ins: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
Serve Warm or Room Temperature: This cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion.