If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this easy apple cake recipe is just what you need! This cake is simple, delicious, and perfect for busy days when you want something homemade and cozy without a lot of effort.
This easy apple cake combines tender chunks of apples with a soft, moist cake base and a delightful cinnamon flavor, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Plus, it’s made with common ingredients, so you likely already have everything you need at home!
Let’s dive into this quick and easy apple cake recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cake Recipe
Here’s why this apple cake is a go-to for busy days:
Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep time.
One-Bowl Wonder: Less mess and fewer dishes to clean.
Perfectly Moist: The apples keep the cake tender and juicy, while the cinnamon adds a comforting warmth.
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a simple glaze for extra flavor if you like.
Ingredients for Easy Apple Cake Recipe
This recipe makes about 8-10 servings—perfect for a small family or to share with friends!
For the Cake:
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (any variety of apple works, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for baking)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
For the Topping (optional but tasty):
2 tablespoons brown sugar (for a sweet, caramelized topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to sprinkle on top)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Apple Cake for Busy Days
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (or an 8×8 square pan) with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil (or melted butter), sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
Pour in the milk and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 5: Add the Apples and Optional Mix-ins
Fold in the diced apples gently. If you’re adding walnuts or raisins, fold them in as well. The apples add moisture, and the nuts or raisins give a nice texture and extra flavor.
Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly in the pan.
Step 7: Add the Topping (Optional)
For a sweet, caramelized topping, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the top of the cake batter before baking. This will create a nice sugary crust when baked.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few crumbs attached.
Step 9: Let it Cool and Serve
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. This cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Practical Tips for the Best Easy Apple Cake
1. Use the Right Apples
Choose apples that are good for baking. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, while Honeycrisp apples add a bit of sweetness. You can mix and match varieties for added flavor complexity.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to increase the sugar slightly. For a more tart, balanced flavor, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two.
3. Keep the Apples Chunky
Dice the apples into bite-sized chunks. Smaller pieces may cook down too much and lose their texture in the cake.
4. Add Some Zest
Add a little lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrusy flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
5. Make It Gluten-Free
You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the flour blend includes xanthan gum for texture.
Serving Suggestions
This easy apple cake is a great standalone dessert, but you can also serve it alongside:
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra creaminess.
A drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an indulgent twist.
Fresh berries or a side of whipped cream for a fresh contrast.
Conclusion: Easy Apple Cake Recipe for Busy Days
This easy apple cake recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a warm, comforting dessert without a lot of effort. The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and a soft cake base makes it a delicious treat for any occasion—whether you’re serving it for dessert, afternoon tea, or a quick snack.
To recap:
Mix the wet and dry ingredients, add in the apples, and pour it into the pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors.
Optional: Add a cinnamon-brown sugar topping for an extra sweet crunch!