Irresistibly Moist Apple Cake Recipe for Cozy Fall Baking

My grandmother’s cherished apple cake recipe holds memories sweeter than the dessert itself.

Whispers of cinnamon and nutmeg dance through her vintage kitchen notes.

Baking this treat connects generations, bridging past and present with each tender slice.

Crisp autumn apples promise a homemade comfort that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft crumbs and caramelized edges hint at the magic waiting in your mixing bowl.

Perfectly spiced and wonderfully simple, this cake invites you to create delicious moments that linger long after the last bite.

Classic Apple Cake Favorite

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: A delightful dessert that captures the warmth of autumn with fresh, juicy apples and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Master Baking Basics: Perfect for beginners with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, helping home bakers build confidence in the kitchen.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet weekend treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its classic flavor profile.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal prep and basic pantry staples, making it a go-to recipe when you want something delicious without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Classic Apple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and enhance the apple flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the cake.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender crumb in the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the apples.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.

• Apples: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Caramel Sauce: Delightful additions that enhance the cake's presentation and flavor.

Stepwise Classic Apple Cake Guide

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Pan

Set your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these ingredients together until they are completely blended and smooth.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Base

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Alternate between adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently after each addition.

Carefully fold in freshly diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cake

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your cake.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Dice apples into uniform small pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent baking throughout the cake.
• Sprinkle a bit of flour on the diced apples before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking to the bottom.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Flavor Variations on Apple Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and coconut milk instead of dairy.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cake: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce quantity, and add extra spices for flavor depth.
• Nutty Apple Variation: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutritional boost.

Serving Classic Apple Cake

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Plate: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic comforting combination.
• Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Pair the cake with freshly brewed coffee and a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful morning treat.
• Elegant Dinner Finale: Plate individual slices with a caramel drizzle and crushed walnut garnish, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Cut into small squares, arrange on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a crowd-pleasing presentation.

How to Store Apple Cake

• Store leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping it moist and fresh.
• Refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual slices by wrapping each piece separately in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm in a preheated oven at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes until just heated through.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type brings a unique flavor and texture to the cake.

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

Toss the diced apples in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the cake while baking.

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

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

• Can I add nuts to this apple cake recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans work great. Fold them in with the apples for extra crunch and flavor.

Moist Apple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful German apple cake celebrates classic flavors from Bavaria’s rich culinary traditions. Warm spices and tender fruit create a comforting dessert you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray at 350F (175C).
2. Create a dry mixture combining flour, leavening agents, warm spices, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
3. In a separate large bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter and sugar until achieving a creamy, aerated consistency.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing completely after each addition, then gently stir in vanilla extract.
5. Carefully fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to maintain smooth texture.
6. Gently integrate diced apples into the batter, distributing fruit evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick which should emerge clean.
9. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature for optimal texture and easier slicing.
10. Enhance presentation by lightly dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with rich caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

• Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
• Dice apples into uniform small cubes to ensure even distribution and consistent baking throughout the cake.
• Gently fold apples into batter to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense and tough.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s tender crumb.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 248 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg