Irresistible Apple Cake Recipe You Need to Try This Weekend – Moist, Easy, and Full of Flavor!
Craving a cozy dessert? This moist, easy apple cake is packed with fall flavor—perfect for weekends or gatherings. Baking this cake fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples, making it an irresistible treat. I love how the tender crumb and sweet apple chunks come together in every bite. Plus, it's a breeze to make, so you can enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Total time to prepare: approximately 1 hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar)
Add-ins:
- 2 1/2 cups chopped Honeycrisp apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
-
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the sugar and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Add Buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans, if using.
-
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the batter in the pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
-
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Tips & Tricks
-
Apple Variety: Honeycrisp apples are perfect for baking due to their sweetness and firmness. (thepioneerwoman.com)
-
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes.
-
Nuts: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cake.
-
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
-
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
-
Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that complements the moistness of the cake.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness pairs perfectly with the spiced apple flavors.
-
Hot Tea: A warm cup of tea enhances the cozy experience of enjoying this cake.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
Storage & Reheating
-
Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
-
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Info
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g