Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield
- Servings: 10–12 slices
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
Optional Topping
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour or line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl combine:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Whisk until evenly blended.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat:
- Softened butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
Beat for about 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Mix well after each addition.
Add vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream
Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
The batter will become creamy and slightly thick.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Reduce the mixer to low speed.
Gradually add the flour mixture.
Mix only until no dry flour remains.
Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft.
Step 7: Fold in Apples
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the diced apples into the batter.
Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 8: Fill the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Spread evenly with the spatula.
If using the topping, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture and chopped nuts over the top.
Step 9: Bake
Bake at:
350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes.
The cake is done when:
- A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- The top is golden brown.
- The edges begin pulling away slightly from the pan.
Step 10: Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
Transfer to a cooling rack.
Cool completely before glazing.
Step 11: Make the Glaze (Optional)
Mix:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla
Whisk until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Baking Temperature
- Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Tips for the Best Apple Cake
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking.
- Dice the apples into even pieces for consistent texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- Let the cake cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crisp finish.
Best Apples to Use
Excellent choices include:
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
- Gala
- Fuji
- Braeburn
- Pink Lady
A combination of sweet and tart apples provides the best flavor.
Delicious Variations
Caramel Apple Cake
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished cake.
Apple Walnut Cake
Fold one cup chopped walnuts into the batter.
Apple Raisin Cake
Add ½ cup raisins soaked in warm water.
Apple Cranberry Cake
Mix in ½ cup fresh cranberries.
Streusel Apple Cake
Top with a buttery crumb topping before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve apple cake with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Hot coffee
- Chai tea
- Cinnamon latte
- Vanilla custard
- Fresh berries
It also makes an excellent breakfast treat with coffee.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 6 days in an airtight container.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for several hours at room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
Bake the cake a day in advance to allow the flavors to deepen. Store it covered at room temperature, then glaze just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using overly soft apples that become mushy.
- Overmixing the batter, which can make the cake dense.
- Opening the oven door too early during baking.
- Skipping the cooling time before slicing.
- Using cold butter instead of softened butter.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 170mg
