Soft, fragrant, and packed with juicy apple goodness — this simple cake is your new go-to dessert! 🍰✨
When you’re short on time but craving something homemade and comforting, this easy apple cake recipe is just what you need. Made with everyday ingredients, it’s a moist, tender cake bursting with cinnamon and apple flavor — perfect for fall mornings, afternoon tea, or cozy family desserts. The best part? You can whip it up in less than 15 minutes of prep time!
🍏 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & easy: No fancy tools, no long prep — just mix, bake, and enjoy!
✅ Deliciously moist: Apples keep the cake soft and flavorful.
✅ Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
✅ Versatile: Works with any type of apple — sweet or tart.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy apple cake recipe for busy days:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
¼ tsp salt
2 eggs
½ cup sugar (white or brown)
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
½ cup milk or yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
Optional toppings:
2 tbsp brown sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon (for a crunchy top)
A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, milk (or yogurt), and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Apples
Fold the chopped apples into the wet mixture. They’ll add moisture and sweetness to every bite. 🍏
5. Mix It All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix — this keeps the cake soft and tender.
6. Pour & Top
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. If desired, sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mix on top for a caramelized crust.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature — it’s delicious either way! 😍
🍰 Serving Ideas
✨ With Tea or Coffee: A perfect afternoon snack with your favorite brew.
🍨 With Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
🍯 With Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle for added sweetness.
🥛 With Milk: A wholesome snack for kids and adults alike.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cake
✅ Use fresh, firm apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work beautifully.
✅ Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined — overmixing makes the cake dense.
✅ Add nuts or raisins: For a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
✅ Try brown sugar: It gives the cake a rich caramel taste.
🍎 Fun Variations
🌰 Apple Walnut Cake: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
🍋 Apple Lemon Cake: Mix in 1 tsp lemon zest for a tangy twist.
🍏 Apple Crumble Cake: Add a crumbly streusel topping made with butter, flour, and sugar.
🥕 Apple Carrot Cake: Replace half the apples with grated carrots for added nutrition.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room temperature: Keeps fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge: Lasts up to a week when stored chilled.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months — just reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds before serving.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cake Recipe
This easy apple cake recipe for busy days proves that baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, a single bowl, and less than an hour, you’ll have a moist, flavorful cake that tastes like a cozy fall afternoon. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell amazing — and your heart full. 🍎💛
So, grab a few apples and bake up some warm, homemade comfort today — you’ll love every bite!
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