Apple cake has long been a cherished dessert, especially during the fall season when apples are at their peak. This moist apple cake not only highlights the deliciousness of fresh apples but also incorporates warm spices, making it an inviting treat for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The allure of this cake lies in its tender crumb, infused with cinnamon and complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this homemade apple cake will become a staple in your apple dessert recipes arsenal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delightful apple cake: You can learn more about this topic.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apples and Add-ins

• 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, can use walnuts or pecans)

Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
5. Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
7. While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Once the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the apple cake. Slice and serve!

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your apple cake turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Choosing the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor in your apple cake. They hold their shape well during baking.
• Storage: Store any leftover apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It can also be frozen for up to three months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before pouring it into the pan.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined for a fluffy texture.
• Texture Tip: Adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter can enhance moisture and flavor. Try a tablespoon or two for a moist apple cake!

Variations

This apple cake recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations to try:

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free option.
• Spiced Apple Cake: Incorporate additional spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a deeper flavor profile.
• Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake or mix caramel bits into the batter for a sweet twist.
• Healthy Apple Cake: Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar to create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This apple cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance your serving experience with these ideas:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
• Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• A cup of spiced chai or coffee makes for a perfect accompaniment to this fall-inspired dessert.

Apple Cake

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

12

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

40 min

🔥

Calories

—

PRINT

Apple cake has long been a cherished dessert, especially during the fall season when apples are at their peak. This moist apple cake not only highlights the deliciousness of fresh apples but also incorporates warm spices, making it an inviting treat for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The allure of this cake lies in its tender crumb, infused with cinnamon and complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this homemade apple cake will become a staple in your apple dessert recipes arsenal.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, can use walnuts or pecans)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting, optional)
• ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting, optional)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting, optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting, optional)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3.

In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth.

4.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.

5.

Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

7.

While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

8.

Once the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9.

Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the apple cake. Slice and serve!

Recipe Reviews

• hassan★★★★★May 16, 2026

  Excellent recipe!

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