If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that always feels like a warm hug, then this Easy Apple Cake Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how it combines tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a moist, tender crumb—all baked into one irresistible cake. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or something you bring to a family gathering, this apple cake is super reliable and gratifying every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need on hand, which means less hassle and more yum.
- Fast and Foolproof: This cake comes together quickly and consistently turns out moist and full of apple goodness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a snack, dessert, or coffee companion, it fits right in.
- Customizable Touches: You can easily swap nuts or spices to suit your mood or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Apple Cake Recipe is in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Choosing a tart apple helps balance the sweetness, while the cinnamon adds that classic fall warmth.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly; it helps the cake stay moist and gives just the right amount of sweetness.
- Canola oil: Using oil instead of butter keeps the cake super moist—trust me, I tested both!
- Eggs: Large eggs bind everything and give structure to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: A small splash amps up the flavor and makes every bite smell heavenly.
- All-purpose flour: The base that holds all the ingredients together.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise beautifully and stay tender.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out depth in flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: The soul of the cake—it warms the flavor without overpowering the apples.
- Tart apples: Finely chopped and peeled—look for Granny Smith or any tart apple to keep the cake balanced and fresh.
- Chopped walnuts: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast; you can swap for pecans if you prefer.
- Whipped topping: For serving, it adds a light, creamy finish that makes the cake feel extra special.
Variations
I love playing around with this Easy Apple Cake Recipe depending on what I have in my pantry or what kind of flavors I’m craving. Don’t hesitate to tweak it a bit—you might discover a new favorite version!
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth—my family goes crazy for the subtle spice twist.
- Nut-free: If you’re allergic or don’t have nuts on hand, simply leave them out or add raisins for natural sweetness and texture.
- Make it gluten-free: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and the result was moist and tasty—just check the baking time!
- Applesauce substitution: For a lower-fat version, try replacing half the oil with unsweetened applesauce; it still tastes amazing and stays moist.
How to Make Easy Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. I like using a handheld mixer here because it quickly gets everything smooth and well blended, and you don’t want any lumps. This step is crucial for a nice, fluffy texture!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda in another bowl. This ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed throughout the cake, so there are no pockets of baking powder or cinnamon overload.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mix, beating just until everything is combined. You want to avoid overmixing here to keep the cake tender. Then gently fold in the finely chopped peeled apples and walnuts with a spatula. I find folding by hand helps keep the apples intact and evenly spread.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy
Transfer your batter to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I like to start checking around 35 minutes because ovens vary. Once out, cool the cake on a wire rack so it firms up a bit before slicing. Serve with a dollop of whipped topping and watch everyone fall in love.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Pick the Right Apple: I always choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and tang.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can make the cake dense—fold in the apples gently for a tender crumb.
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference; older spices tend to lose their warmth and aroma.
- Let It Cool Completely: Patience pays off! The cake firms up nicely as it cools, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it classic with a generous dollop of whipped topping or freshly whipped cream—something light to balance the cake’s rich, moist texture. Sometimes I sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra coziness.
Side Dishes
This apple cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert or with a hot cup of coffee or chai for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this cake topped with caramel drizzle and crushed pecans. You can also turn it into mini portions by baking in a muffin tin—great for parties and easy serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but if it’s warm in your kitchen, pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh a bit longer without drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes really well. After it cools completely, I wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. It’s great to have on hand for unexpected guests or quick desserts.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the cake in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This revives the moist texture and brings back that freshly baked charm.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of apples in the Easy Apple Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith bring a nice balance to the sweetness, you can use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a softer, sweeter cake. Just note that sweeter apples may make the cake slightly less tangy.
-
Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower if you want some crunch but need a nut-free option. The cake will still be delicious and moist.
-
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way is the toothpick test: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid opening the oven too often to keep the temperature steady.
-
Can I use butter instead of canola oil?
You can, but I’ve found that using oil gives the cake a lighter, moister texture. If you prefer butter’s flavor, try melted and cooled butter, but expect a slightly denser crumb.
-
Is this recipe suitable for a beginner baker?
Definitely! The Easy Apple Cake Recipe is forgiving and straightforward, making it perfect for beginners. Just follow the steps carefully and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious apple cake.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those desserts that never fails to bring smiles and warm memories to the table. It’s quick to whip up, forgiving if you’re a bit off on measurements, and you get the added satisfaction of baking with fresh fruit. Next time you want to impress someone without the fuss, give this recipe a go—I promise you’ll love watching it disappear bite by bite!
Print
Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy apple cake recipe features a moist and flavorful cake packed with finely chopped tart apples and crunchy walnuts. Sweetened with sugar and enhanced with warm cinnamon, it is a delightful dessert that pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped topping. Ideal for fall or any time you crave a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1–3/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1–1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 2 cups finely chopped peeled tart apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Topping
- 1–1/4 cups whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to reach the proper temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a consistent batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Incorporate dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, beating continuously until fully blended without overmixing.
- Fold in apples and walnuts: Gently fold the finely chopped peeled tart apples and chopped walnuts into the batter, maintaining a light texture and ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then pour the batter evenly into the dish.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack to room temperature to allow it to set properly before serving.
- Serve with whipped topping: Spoon 1-1/4 cups of whipped topping over slices of the cooled apple cake for a creamy and delicious finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the tart apples with Granny Smith or any crisp apple variety for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Walnuts can be replaced with pecans for a different nutty profile.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender and light.
- Using a toothpick test is the best way to check for doneness to avoid overbaking.
- For added moisture, consider adding a splash of apple cider or apple juice to the batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/20th of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
