Introduction
On a crisp autumn afternoon, when the leaves crunch underfoot and the air carries the sweet scent of apples, nothing feels more comforting than baking an apple cake. For Ella Chef, apple cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a memory of cozy family gatherings where the warmth of cinnamon blended with the aroma of baked apples filled the kitchen. She recalls standing beside her grandmother, learning how to fold diced apples gently into the batter, and later sharing slices with loved ones around the table. This apple cake recipe brings that tradition alive, carrying flavors of nostalgia and homely sweetness.
Recipe JSON
Classic Apple Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in diced apples gently with a spatula.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Apple Cake
To make a moist and fragrant apple cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it and lightly dusting with flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt—this ensures even distribution of leavening and spices. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Once the batter is smooth, gently fold in the diced apples with a spatula. The apples should be evenly distributed but not crushed, adding bursts of sweetness and moisture throughout the cake.
Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For a simple yet elegant finish, dust the cake with powdered sugar. If you want to elevate the dessert, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This apple cake strikes the perfect balance between tender crumb, warming spices, and juicy apple bites.
Conclusion
Apple cake is the ultimate comfort dessert, blending warm spices with the natural sweetness of apples to create a treat that feels like home in every bite. Ella Chef’s version honors traditional baking methods while remaining simple enough for everyday bakers. Whether served plain, topped with a dusting of sugar, or paired with ice cream, it’s a versatile dessert for autumn evenings, holiday gatherings, or even breakfast with coffee. Each slice tells a story of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing homemade goodness. Bake this apple cake once, and it will quickly become a family favorite.