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The Best Apple Cake Recipe

The Best Apple Cake Recipe

The Best Apple Cake Recipe is a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert combining tender chunks of fresh apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices in a buttery crumb. Perfect for cozy gatherings, it’s versatile, uses simple ingredients, and can be easily customized for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • Streusel topping: cinnamon-sugar crumble (cinnamon, sugar, butter)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare Your Apples – Peel, core, and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks, ensuring they are evenly sized to cook uniformly inside the cake.
  2. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a fragrant spice base.
  3. Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, beat eggs and both sugars until light and fluffy. Slowly add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Incorporate Ingredients – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can cause a dense cake.
  5. Step 5: Fold in Apples and Optional Nuts – Carefully fold the diced apples and nuts or dried fruits (if using) into the batter, distributing evenly without smashing the pieces.
  6. Step 6: Bake Until Golden – Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7: Cool and Enjoy – Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp apples for best texture and flavor.
  • Gently fold ingredients to avoid a tough crumb.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
  • Balance cinnamon with nutmeg and a pinch of cloves for enhanced warm flavors.
  • The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
  • To make it vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use oil instead of butter.
  • If using frozen apples, thaw and drain them to reduce extra moisture; adjust baking time accordingly.
  • Leftovers can be stored wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Freeze wrapped portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
  • Warm slices briefly before serving to refresh softness and flavor.

Nutrition

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