Best Apple Cake
I’m so excited to share with you my go-to recipe for the best apple cake! There’s something incredibly nostalgic about biting into a slice of warm apple cake. It’s fluffy, moist, and filled with chunks of sweet apples. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most delightful aroma while it bakes. I remember the first time I tried making this recipe—let’s just say the kitchen got a little messy, but it was totally worth it!
Table of Contents
What Is Best Apple Cake?
Best apple cake is essentially a comforting dessert that brings the perfect flavors of fall right into your home. It combines the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the delightful texture of a soft cake. This recipe is particularly special because it’s super easy to whip up, and it’s perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or just because you want something sweet!
Ingredients Overview for Best Apple Cake
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this delicious apple cake. I promise, these ingredients are simple and you probably have most of them already in your pantry.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our cake. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness. If you’re looking to cut down on refined sugar, coconut sugar or honey can work too.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise. Be sure it’s fresh for the best results!
- Cinnamon: This spice gives the cake that warm flavor. You can play around with nutmeg too for a little extra fall flair.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Eggs: These bind everything together. If you need an egg substitute, try using applesauce or ground flaxseed mixed with water.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist. Melted coconut oil is a great alternative if you’re feeling fancy.
- Apples: The star of the show! I love using Granny Smith for a tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Best Apple Cake
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making the cake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious apple cake in no time.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Blend Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—don’t overmix!
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect by itself, but there are so many ways to dress it up! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredible dessert experience. You could also dust it with powdered sugar for a simple touch of elegance. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for a sweet surprise!
Tips For The Perfect Best Apple Cake
- Make sure your apples are diced evenly for consistent baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps your cake tender and fluffy.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Feel free to add nuts for a crunchy texture, like walnuts or pecans.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days for maximum freshness.
Q&A Section
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Mixing different apple varieties can add complexity to the flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature.
How should I store the apple cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze un-frosted cake slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love this apple cake not only for its dreamy flavors but also for its simple preparation. The combo of tender apples and a warm, spiced cake is like a hug in dessert form! Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends or family without spending ages in the kitchen.
Behind The Scenes
When I was first developing this best apple cake recipe, I had a couple of mishaps. I remember the first time I tried it, I accidentally grabbed baking soda instead of baking powder. The result? A rather flat, blueish cake that didn’t quite make the cut. But after some trial and error, I hit the jackpot with the right balance of fluffy and moist! I would love for you to check out my Pinterest page for more delicious recipes at My Recipe Cast, where I share all my learning experiences and delicious bumps along the way!
Try this best apple cake recipe and enjoy every delicious bite!
Best Apple Cake
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar or honey.
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder Ensure it's fresh for best results.
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon Nutmeg can be added for extra flavor.
- 1 tsp Salt Enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs Can substitute with applesauce or ground flaxseed mixed with water.
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Melted coconut oil is a good alternative.
Main Ingredient
- 3 cups Diced Apples (Granny Smith) Provides a tartness that balances sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and vegetable oil until smooth, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Mixing
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Serving
- Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature. Consider serving with vanilla ice cream, powdered sugar, or caramel sauce.
