Easy Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as simple to make as it is delicious, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Easy Apple Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this apple cake turns out – the tender crumb, warm cinnamon notes, and little bursts of tart apple keep it fresh and inviting. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving something sweet with your coffee, this recipe never lets me down.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend effortlessly for an easy apple cake that’s bursting with flavor and texture. I often recommend using tart apples for that perfect balance of sweetness and tang, and chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch that everyone loves.

• Sugar: The backbone of sweetness, be sure to use granulated sugar for that classic crumb.
• Canola oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the flavor.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the cake and adding richness.
• Vanilla extract: This little addition brings warmth and depth to the batter.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure — make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise nicely and stay light.
• Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Baking soda: Works with the acidic apples to create a tender crumb.
• Tart apples (peeled and chopped): I like Granny Smith apples—they keep their texture after baking.
• Chopped walnuts: Adds nuttiness and a delightful crunch.
• Whipped topping: The perfect finishing touch served alongside—feel free to use homemade or store-bought.

Variations

One of the things I love about this easy apple cake recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or the season—makes baking feel a little more fun and personal.

• Nut-Free Version: When friends can’t do nuts, I swap out walnuts for sunflower seeds or just omit them, and it still tastes fantastic.
• Spice It Up: I’ve added a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves before—gives a really cozy fall vibe that your guests will notice.
• Apple Mix: Mixing tart apples with a sweeter variety like Fuji balances out the flavors beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Adjustment: I’ve had success swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend—you might want to add a little xanthan gum to keep it together.

How to Make Easy Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Batter Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 13×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together until everything is well blended and smooth. I like to use a hand mixer for this step; it makes it super easy to get a creamy consistency without any lumps.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly so your cake rises beautifully. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, beating slowly after each addition until fully combined. Don’t overmix here; you want to keep your cake tender.

Step 3: Fold in Apples and Walnuts

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the finely chopped peeled tart apples and walnuts. Make sure you distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This step is where the cake’s lovely texture really starts to shine. If you find your apples are quite juicy, pat them dry a bit with a paper towel to keep your cake from getting soggy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the surface. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. I always start checking around 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no raw batter. Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool completely before serving. Trust me, waiting is hard but worth it!

How to Serve Easy Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this apple cake with a generous dollop of whipped topping, either from a can or homemade for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds an inviting aroma right before serving. Sometimes I add a drizzle of caramel sauce if we’re feeling indulgent—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of spiced chai tea. For brunch, I sometimes serve it alongside savory quiche or a sharp cheddar cheese platter to balance the sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the cake in a trifle dish with whipped topping and chopped apples for an eye-catching dessert. Cutting the cake into mini squares and topping each with a cinnamon sugar dusting also works well for parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover apple cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container on the counter for 2 days. After that, it keeps great in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually get richer after resting a bit—bonus!

Freezing

This apple cake freezes beautifully. I usually cut it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

I reheat slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes wrapped in foil. Reheating this way keeps the cake moist without drying it out, and it tastes just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This easy apple cake recipe has become one of my go-to desserts when I want something effortless but impressive. From the first time I tried it, I knew it was a keeper—the flavors, the texture, the way it warms up the whole kitchen! I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do. Grab your apples, gather your ingredients, and bake yourself a slice of happy—you’ll be glad you did.

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