Name: Easy Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490515H16M
Total time: PT-490515H16M
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour; ½ cup sugar; ¾ tablespoon baking powder (make sure it’s not expired); 3 large eggs (at room temperature); ½ cup avocado oil (or any neutral cooking oil); 3 medium apples (peeled and diced small, approx. 2 to 2½ cups; honeycrisp recommended); ½ cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons sugar; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting dessert that bursts with the natural sweetness of apples and a tender crumb, this Easy Apple Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s unbelievably simple to whip up, combining juicy diced apples with a moist, buttery cake that absorbs a luscious milk and butter glaze. Whether you’re baking for a casual family treat or a special get-together, this cake promises rich flavors, a delightful custardy texture inside, and a perfect balance of tender crunch from the apples. Trust me, once you try this Easy Apple Cake Recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with three red apples that have yellow streaks, placed on the left side. To the right of the apples, there are small white bowls arranged in a loose circle; one bowl contains white flour with a smooth powdery texture, another has a light yellow liquid, another contains white granulated sugar, and one more has a small block of pale yellow butter. There are three brown eggs placed below the flour bowl, and near them is a white bowl filled with a white liquid. The scene is bright and clean, with all items spaced neatly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Apple Cake Recipe calls for everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge, making it easy to pull together without a trip to the store. Each ingredient contributes uniquely to the final cake’s flavor, texture, and moistness, ensuring a perfect bake every time.

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour: Provides the structure while keeping the cake tender.
½ cup sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the apples.
¾ tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
3 large eggs (at room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
½ cup avocado oil (any neutral cooking oil): Keeps the cake moist while adding a subtle buttery undertone.
3 medium apples (peeled and diced small): Honeycrisp or any crisp, sweet variety works wonders for flavor and moisture.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): A beautiful finishing touch that adds gentle sweetness.
½ cup milk: Combines with butter and sugar to create a soak that gives the cake its custard-like interior.
2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the glaze that seeps into the cake, enhancing flavor and texture.
2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the milk and butter soak, balancing the tartness of the apples.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 7-inch springform pan with a generous spray of baking spray and line it with parchment paper. Using a smaller pan helps create a higher, thicker cake with a moist center; if you choose a larger pan, just keep a close eye on the baking time so it doesn’t dry out.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, sugar, and baking powder until evenly mixed. Then add in the eggs and avocado oil, stirring gently to form a smooth, thick batter without overmixing. This is key for keeping the cake tender and light.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in your diced apples to fully coat them with the batter. This step ensures every forkful bursts with juicy bites, lending fresh texture throughout the cake. Apples are the star here, so take care to distribute them evenly.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake

Pour the apple-batter mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The house will start smelling like autumn magic at this point!

Step 5: Prepare the Soaking Mixture

About five minutes before the cake finishes baking, warm the milk, butter, and sugar together in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the butter and sugar dissolve and the mixture is heated through. This warm soak is the secret to that incredible custardy texture inside.

Step 6: Soak the Cake

Once the cake comes out of the oven, use a long skewer or chopstick to poke 25 to 30 evenly spaced holes all the way through the cake. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture over the top, allowing the cake to absorb every delicious drop as it cools. This step turns a simple apple cake into a moist, flavorful masterpiece.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

After the cake has fully absorbed the soak, remove the springform pan and parchment paper, placing the cake on a serving plate. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes – patience here rewards you with wonderful custard-like moistness inside. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before slicing to serve.

How to Serve Easy Apple Cake Recipe

A golden brown cake sits inside a round silver springform pan placed on a wooden cutting board. The cake top is slightly cracked with a textured, baked surface showing small bits of fruit or nuts embedded throughout. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely visual appeal and subtle sweetness without overpowering the natural apple flavor. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm cake.

Side Dishes

This cake is lovely on its own but also pairs well with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a warm mug of spiced cider to enhance the cozy, autumnal vibes. If you’re serving brunch, consider fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait alongside to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts for crunch. Layer small cubes of the cake in clear glasses with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and chopped apples to create a beautiful trifle-style dessert everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple cake keeps wonderfully at room temperature for 2 to 3 days when covered, or up to a week if tightly wrapped and stored in the refrigerator. Keeping it sealed maintains moisture and keeps the flavors vibrant.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooled cake, either whole or sliced, by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen apple cake keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Reheating brings back the cake’s fresh-baked softness and melty glaze to enjoy as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith apples depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that tarter apples will give a slightly tangier kick.

Is avocado oil necessary, or can I substitute it?

You can swap avocado oil for any neutral vegetable or canola oil you have on hand. The key is to use an oil with a mild flavor to keep the apple taste front and center without overpowering the cake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The best test is inserting a clean toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not batter), your cake is perfectly baked and ready for the next step.

Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?

Creating holes allows the warm milk and butter mixture to seep deep into the cake, creating that signature moist, custard-like interior texture. Skipping this step means the soak won’t penetrate fully, which changes the cake’s delightful softness.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Easy Apple Cake Recipe enough — it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The blend of juicy apples, tender cake, and luscious soak creates a delightful treat everyone will love. I encourage you to try baking this cake soon and share it with family or friends; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll quickly become a cherished homemade classic.