Moist Apple Cake Recipe
This moist apple cake is packed with fresh apples and warm spices, making it the perfect dessert for any season. It’s incredibly easy to make, resulting in a tender, flavorful cake that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or buttermilk
- 3 cups (350g) peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Set them aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan. If you prefer a thicker cake, use an 8×8-inch pan for a smaller but taller cake.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices will give the cake a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, making the cake light and fluffy.
6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can result in a dense cake. The batter will be thick, which is perfect for holding the apple chunks.
7. Fold in the Apples:
- Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter using a spatula. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apples will add moisture to the cake as it bakes, resulting in a tender crumb.
8. Pour into the Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter. This will create a deliciously crunchy and sweet crust on the cake.
10. Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If using a smaller pan, you may need to increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
11. Cool the Cake:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, turn the cake out onto the rack to cool completely. If you used a 9×13-inch pan, you can leave the cake in the pan and serve it directly from there.
12. Optional Glaze:
- For an extra touch of sweetness, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving. This step is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For a cozy breakfast treat, enjoy a slice of this apple cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Storage
- Store the apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.
Enjoy this moist and flavorful apple cake with your family and friends, perfect for any occasion!
