Easy Apple Cake

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Easy Apple Cake – Moist, Cinnamon-Spiced & Ready in 10 Minutes

When the crisp air of fall arrives and apples overflow at the market, nothing beats the cozy aroma of this Easy Apple Cake. With just one bowl and 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a warm, moist cake studded with apples and kissed with cinnamon. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home—simple, satisfying, and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

•  One-bowl recipe – minimal cleanup
•  Moist & flavorful – packed with tender apple chunks
•  Budget-friendly – made with pantry staples
•  Perfect for sharing – potlucks, family dinners, or Sunday coffee
•  Freezer-friendly – make ahead and enjoy later

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk & spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• 9x9-inch square pan or 9-inch round cake pan
• Small bowl & fork (for streusel, optional)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3 cups apples (about 3 medium), peeled & chopped (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Streusel Topping

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• ½ tsp cinnamon

🌿 Optional Add-In: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8–10

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch square pan or 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Add eggs, oil (or butter), milk, and vanilla. Stir until just combined.

Step 3: Add Apples

Fold in chopped apples (and nuts, if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Optional Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or à la mode with ice cream.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cake

•  Use firm apples – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up best.
•  Don’t overmix – keeps the cake tender, not dense.
•  Toss apples with lemon juice – prevents browning and brightens flavor.
•  Make ahead – Cake stays moist for 2–3 days covered at room temp.
•  Freeze slices – Wrap individually, freeze up to 3 months, reheat when needed.

Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
•  Vegan: Substitute flax eggs, plant-based milk, and coconut oil.
•  Apple Spice Cake: Add nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
•  Drizzle Finish: Top with caramel or cream cheese glaze.
•  Apple Cake Muffins: Divide into muffin liners, bake 20–25 minutes.

FAQ

Q: Can I use canned apples?
Yes, but drain and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9x13-inch pan and increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate/freeze for longer storage.

Q: Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love helping mix and snack on apple chunks while baking.

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Easy Apple Cake

A moist, cinnamon-spiced cake bursting with apples, ready in under an hour with just one bowl.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups chopped apples about 3 medium
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup oil or melted butter
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Streusel:

• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cold butter
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Equipment

• Mixing bowl & whisk
• 9x9-inch or 9-inch round cake pan
• Small bowl & fork (for streusel)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease pan.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Stir in eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until just combined.
4. Fold in apples (and nuts if using).
5. For streusel: Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle on top.
6. Bake 35–40 mins until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool 15 mins before slicing. Serve plain or with ice cream.

Notes

Store covered at room temp for 2–3 days.

Freeze slices up to 3 months.

Add lemon juice to apples for brightness.