Easy Homemade Apple Cake Recipe for Sweet Autumn Bliss

Sweet autumn afternoons often sparkle with unexpected apple cake magic that fills kitchens with warmth and nostalgia.

Crisp orchard fruits blend seamlessly into delightful baked treasures waiting to be savored.

Memories of grandmother’s classic desserts dance through every tender crumb.

Seasonal ingredients whisper stories of comfort and home-baked happiness.

Soft spices and caramelized edges promise a delectable experience that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Baking this treat connects you with generations of cherished culinary traditions.

Let’s create something deliciously memorable together.

Apple Cake for Homemade Comfort Year-Round

• Conquer Simplicity: This key lime pie recipe breaks down complex dessert-making into straightforward steps anyone can master, even with minimal baking experience.
• Celebrate Versatility: Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal, this pie adapts to multiple occasions with its bright, tangy flavor.
• Create Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of sweet condensed milk and zesty lime creates a universally appealing dessert that delights both kids and adults, making it an instant hit at family events and parties.
• Transform Easily: Requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal kitchen skills, this recipe allows home cooks to produce a professional-looking dessert that looks more complicated than it actually is.

What Goes Into Apple Cake Magic

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the apple cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda: Works with acidic ingredients to create additional lift and tenderness.

• Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy flavor to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic profile.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, soft crumb.

• Apples: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and a fresh, fruity taste to the cake.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple flavor and add depth.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping for a decorative and sweet finish.

Directions for Making Apple Cake at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a light coating of grease, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Craft the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, start by melting butter and mixing it with sugar until smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until the mixture looks creamy and well-combined.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Components

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined – be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Fresh Apples

Gently fold chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Fill the Baking Pan

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve with Flair

Finish by dusting the cake with powdered sugar or drizzling with your favorite glaze. Slice and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of autumn!

Baking Apple Cake with Helpful Hints

• Use ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your cake.
• Prevent apple browning by tossing chopped apples with a little lemon juice before adding to the batter.
• Enhance the cake's moisture by not overmixing the batter, which can make it tough and dense.
• Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

New Flavors to Explore with Apple Cake

• Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake after cooling, adding a rich, buttery flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
• Nutty Apple Delight: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking, creating a crunchy texture and adding depth to the cake's flavor profile.
• Spiced Chai Apple Cake: Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with chai spice blend, infusing the cake with a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Cream Cheese Frosted Apple Cake: Top the cooled cake with a smooth cream cheese frosting, providing a tangy contrast to the sweet apple base.

Plate Apple Cake for Guests or Family

• Cozy Autumn Afternoon Delight: Slice the warm apple cake and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting the cold creaminess contrast with the spiced cake.
• Rustic Breakfast Companion: Pair a thick slice with a steaming mug of cinnamon coffee, creating a perfect morning treat that celebrates seasonal flavors.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Plate individual servings on vintage china, garnish with a light drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts for added texture and richness.
• Family Gathering Centerpiece: Create a dessert board with the apple cake as the star, surrounded by fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and a small bowl of whipped cream for guests to customize their experience.

Keep Apple Cake Soft and Delicious

• Store the apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake covered with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to eat it quickly. Ensure the cake is completely cool before covering to prevent condensation.
• If using a glaze, apply it only after the cake has completely cooled to prevent sogginess and maintain the cake's texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Tart apples work best as they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

• How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the chopped apples in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed throughout the cake while baking.

Apple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Heavenly apple cake from Germany delights with layers of cinnamon-spiced fruit and tender crumb. Warm slices paired with vanilla ice cream offer pure comfort that connects you to traditional European baking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (any variety)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and lightly coating with flour.
2. Combine all dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt – in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Create a separate mixture by blending melted butter with sugar until achieving a smooth consistency.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
5. Stir vanilla extract and sour cream into the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
7. Gently incorporate chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
8. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
10. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
11. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature.
12. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with a complementary glaze before serving.

Notes

• Try different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for varied flavor and texture profiles.
• Prevent apple browning by tossing chopped apples in lemon juice before adding to the batter.
• Enhance moisture by replacing sour cream with Greek yogurt or applesauce for a lighter version.
• Make the cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg