If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts that fill your kitchen with the sweet, spicy aroma of autumn, you are going to adore this Best Apple Cake Recipe. This cake combines tender, cinnamon-kissed apple pieces with a moist, tender crumb that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and subtly spiced. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a timeless favorite whether you’re baking for a weekday treat or a festive gathering. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to when you want to bring the warm essence of apple goodness to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first joy of making this cake, and each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect taste and texture. From the warm spices to the creamy base, everything works together to create an unforgettable dessert.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake batter providing structure without weighing it down.
- Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises to a lovely, fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Works with acidic components to give the right lift and tenderness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
- Nutmeg: A subtle touch that deepens the spice profile.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and contributes to a nice browning effect.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together for a rich texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness.
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: Enhances moisture and gives a slight tang.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its sweet aroma.
- Apples (peeled and chopped): The star ingredient that delivers juicy bursts of flavor; using a mix of tart and sweet varieties creates wonderful balance.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For added crunch and nutty goodness.
How to Make Best Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them gently with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a bit of sugar if you like. This enhances their natural flavor and helps infuse the batter with little pockets of deliciously spiced apple goodness.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. Stir in the yogurt or sour cream next, which will make your cake wonderfully moist and tender.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sifting not only mixes these spices and leaveners evenly but also lightens the flour for a fluffier cake.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so take your time and be gentle.
Step 5: Add Apples and Nuts
Fold in the spiced apples and, if you like, your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans. These nuts add a lovely texture contrast that makes each bite even more exciting and flavorful.
Step 6: Prepare and Bake
Pour your batter into a well-greased 9-inch cake pan or bundt pan. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures it holds its shape while cooling.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Before serving, elevate this Best Apple Cake Recipe by drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top or dusting it with powdered sugar. Either choice adds a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.
How to Serve Best Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce brings out the cake’s natural sweetness and spices, making it look just as fabulous as it tastes. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonders.
Side Dishes
This apple cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for breakfast or dessert. For a festive brunch, consider serving it alongside cinnamon-spiced yogurt or fresh fruit to keep the flavors light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, slice the cake into generous wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards with extra nuts and apple slices on the side. You can also layer slices with mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for an elegant twist that looks as good as it tastes—it turns your apple cake into a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Stored this way, the cake stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the Best Apple Cake Recipe for longer storage by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, ensuring every bite remains tender and flavorful.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This revives the cake’s soft texture and warms the spices, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Using a mix of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor balance, but feel free to use your favorites. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape during baking.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer a more rustic cake with added fiber and color, leaving the peels on works fine too.
What can I substitute for yogurt or sour cream?
If you don’t have yogurt or sour cream, buttermilk or a sour cream substitute made with milk and lemon juice can work well to keep the cake moist and tender.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid opening the oven too often to keep the cake rising evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Best Apple Cake Recipe is a delicious celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create pure comfort in every crumb. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, it offers that perfect combination of moist cake and juicy apples with a hint of spice that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your baking favorites forever.
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Best Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with a blend of tart and sweet apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a tender crumb from yogurt or sour cream, this classic cake is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Optional nuts add a delightful crunch, and a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off beautifully.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits and Nuts
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (mix of tart and sweet)
- Optional ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice or dice the apples. Optionally, toss them with a bit of cinnamon and sugar to enhance their flavor, then set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, stir in the plain yogurt or sour cream for added moisture and tenderness.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the chopped apples and the optional chopped walnuts or pecans carefully, distributing them evenly without overworking the batter.
- Prepare Pan and Pour Batter: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan. Pour the batter into the pan and tap it gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the cake set properly before serving.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally drizzle the cake with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; overmixing can make the cake dense.
- The walnuts or pecans are optional but add a lovely crunch to the cake.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before drizzling with caramel sauce to prevent it from melting excessively.
- This cake keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
