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Apple Cake

This buttery apple cake with a tender crumb is ready in less than an hour for a fall-flavored bite. Dusted with powdered sugar for the finishing touch, it’s everything you’d expect from a fruity homemade cake.

A slice of fluffy apple cake with powdered sugar on top and sliced apples on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a new homemade dessert to try out once the leaves start falling, this easy apple cake is for you.

  • Better than the bakery. Nothing beats the smell of freshly-baked cake in your kitchen, especially when you can use add-ins like shredded coconut.
  • Freezer-friendly. Pop it out of the freezer whenever you need a last-minute sweet treat or have a late-night craving.
  • Perfect for fall. Any dessert with sweet apples and powdered sugar screams “autumn is coming”.
  • Great for beginners. The mixer takes care of most of the work so even beginner-level home cooks can nail this recipe.
Ingredients for making apple cake.

What You’ll Need

Self-rising flour means you’ll get a light and fluffy cake without worrying about measuring out baking powder or baking soda. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

  • Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter for this.
  • Self-rising flour – Make your own by subbing every cup for 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
  • Eggs – Room temperature eggs are best for baking because cold ones affect the batter’s consistency.
  • Sugar – Feel free to use white or light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar is okay as well but the loaf will be darker in color.
  • Apples – They must be peeled.
  • Powdered sugar – This is also called “confectioners’ sugar”.

What Apples Should I Use?

Fuji, Royal Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburns are some of the best apples for baking because they hold their shape well in the oven. They’re sweet, slightly tart, and have a crisp bite. Once baked, they remain tender but they don’t soften to the point of almost dissolving into batters and baked goods.

Grabbing a slice of fruity cake with powdered sugar on top.

How To Make Apple Cake

This fluffy apple cake is as easy as making a box-mix. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

  • Prep the oven. Preheat it to 350F. Grease the cake pan with non-stick spray. Set it aside.
  • Beat the eggs. Add the eggs and sugar to a large bowl. Beat over medium speed for 5-6 minutes or until pale. Add the butter and continue beating until light and fluffy.
  • Prep the batter. Sift the flour into the egg-butter mixture and mix until just combined. You can do this step with the mixer or by hand. Gently fold in the apples.
  • Bake it. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Serve. Remove it from the oven and let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy!
Whole, freshly-baked cake on a cooling rack.

Recipe Tips & Variations

You can add warm spices, crunchy nuts, or even turn this apple cake recipe into bite-sized muffins.

  • Use add-ins. Stirring 1/2-1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut into the batter will give your cake more texture.
  • Make muffins. Line a muffin tray with liners. Fill each one with batter until 3/4s full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Add spices. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, or 2 teaspoons apple pie spice into the sugar-butter mixture for more depth.
  • Leave it shut. Once the cake is baking, stop opening the oven door to check on it. Turn on the oven light for sneak peeks or simply rely on the recipe time, but don’t open the door. Doing so drops the oven’s temperature every time and will result in a rubbery cake.
  • Cover it. If the top and sides of the cake are browning too much before the 30 minute mark, cover the pan with foil for the remaining baking time to prevent burning.
  • Line it. Avoid any sticking by lining the bottom and sides of the cake pan with parchment paper.
Close-up of a slice of fluffy apple cake with powdered sugar.

Proper Storage

Don’t leave the cake out under direct heat or sunlight to prevent spoilage.

  • Counter: Place it in a paper bag or cake dome for up to 2 days. This method isn’t recommended for high-humidity areas.
  • Fridge: Store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods like chilis and onions to prevent the transfer of odors. Set it on the counter for 5-10 minutes before digging in to let it come down to room temperature.
  • Freezer: Transfer it to freezer bags (whole or sliced). Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for 20-25 minutes.

More Apple Recipes To Try

Landscape photo of apple cake.

Apple Cake

This fluffy apple cake recipe dusted with powdered sugar is an easy fall-flavored dessert once the leaves start falling.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 3/4 cup self-rising flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 apples peeled, cored and diced (I used Fuji)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease 8″ cake pan.
  • Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, then beat in butter until combined.
  • Stir flour into the mix then add apples, mix till just combined (do not over mix)
  • Pour into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  • Remove and let cool, when cool turn out onto cake stand or plate. Dust with powdered sugar.
Course: Breakfast, Breakfast/Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Categories:

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2 comments on “Apple Cake”

  1. Just made this today and what a hit! I suggest a new name: Quick Apple Biscuit Cake! So fast, a little biscuit salty with tender apples. We loved it, especially as an afterschool treat.

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