Introduction

This apple cake is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for any season. Packed with tender chunks of apples and a hint of cinnamon, it offers a moist, flavorful bite every time.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
3 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or a bundt pan to prepare it for baking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt, then gradually add the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or topping with cream cheese frosting if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, or add a handful of raisins for a chewy texture.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Swap nuts for toasted coconut flakes to add a different crunch.
If you prefer a frosting, cream cheese icing pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apple flavors.

Storage

Store the apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to a week or freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm slices gently in the microwave or oven to regain softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any firm apples, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji work best to balance flavors and maintain texture.

Is sour cream necessary in the recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, but Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you prefer a tangier taste or a lighter option.

Apple Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

This moist and flavorful Apple Cake is a delightful treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting dessert. Made with a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, tender apples, and optional nuts for a bit of crunch, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Its soft crumb and rich taste make it a fantastic choice for gatherings, tea time, or just indulging at home.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Other Ingredients

3 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Combine Batter: Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or top with cream cheese frosting if desired before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor, or sweeter varieties like Fuji for more sweetness.
Chopping nuts is optional but adds a great texture contrast.
To make the cake dairy-free, substitute butter with a vegan alternative and use dairy-free yogurt.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon cake, fall dessert, moist cake, fruit cake, nutty apple cake, easy baking recipe