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Looking for the perfect apple cake recipe? Let me tell you that easy apple cake is just what you need to fill your home with cozy autumn flavors and bring out the sweetness of apples in every bite. Made with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of maple, this cake is irresistibly delicious and so easy to make. This is the ideal dessert to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream – a dessert I know everyone will love!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake Recipe

This apple cake combines the simplicity of classic ingredients with the rich flavors of fresh apples and warm spices. Whether you’re using Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness or Granny Smith for a tart kick, this cake brings out the best in each variety. With Greek yogurt in the batter for added moisture and a maple cinnamon-sugar apple topping, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake uses straightforward ingredients and pantry staples, making it easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.

  • 1/4 butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor to the cake. Make sure it’s cooled slightly before adding to the batter.
  • ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar – The combination of sugars provides sweetness and a bit of caramel-like depth.
  • 3 eggs, room temperature – Room temperature eggs mix better into the batter, giving the cake a smooth, even texture.
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor, making the cake more aromatic and delicious.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake. Be sure to measure accurately for the best results.
  • 1 tbsp baking powder – Gives the cake a light, fluffy texture.
  • ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt – Keeps the cake moist and tender without making it heavy. Plain Greek yogurt works best for this recipe.

For the Apple Topping

  • 3 apples, sliced – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices for their unique flavors and textures.
  • ½ cup brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness to the apples.
  • ½ tsp nutmeg and ½ tsp cinnamon – Brings warmth and depth, perfect for a cozy fall bake.
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup – Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the fall flavor.

Variations and Additions

This apple cake recipe is versatile! Here are a few waysI like to customize it:

  • Add Nuts: Try folding in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
  • Add an Oat Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a mix of butter, rolled oats, brown sugar sugar and cinnamon on top before baking for a caramelized, slightly crispy streusel topping.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make this cake gluten-free.

How to Make This Cinnamon Apple Cake

1. Prep the Apples:
In a mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Toss until the apples are well-coated, allowing them to soak in the spices while you prepare the batter.

2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the Greek yogurt and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into a prepared 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Arrange the spiced apples over the top of the batter, gently pressing them in.

4. Bake:
Place the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake

Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. This balance gives a mix of tart and sweet in every bite.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and Greek yogurt are at room temperature for a smoother, more even batter.

Parchment Paper Lining: Lining your cake pan with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift out of the pan

Evenly Sliced Apples: For an even bake, slice the apples to a similar thickness so they cook uniformly.

Serving Suggestions

This apple cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to make it extra special:

  • Drizzle of White Chocolate: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle some melted white chocolate.
  • With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
  • With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream for a light and fluffy topping.
  • With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple, elegant look, dust powdered sugar over the top before serving.
  • Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: I mean, what’s better than caramel and apples? Drizzle your favorite caramel sauce over each slice before serving. Try my Homemade Caramel Sauce or this Viral 2 Ingredient TikTok Caramel Sauce!

Recipe FAQ

Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples work well, but feel free to use any apples you prefer. Just keep in mind that tart apples like Granny Smith will balance the sweetness nicely.

Cover and store your apple cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well; just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free apple cake that’s just as delicious.

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version.

Other Apple Recipes You’ll Love

Final Thoughts

This easy apple cake recipe brings the cozy flavors of fall straight to your kitchen. It’s a wonderful dessert for gatherings, an afternoon treat with coffee, or a delightful breakfast the next day. With tender apples, warm spices, and a moist crumb, this apple cake is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet, spiced flavors that make this apple cake a must-bake!

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Apple Cake Recipe

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Cozy up with this easy apple cake! Made with spiced apples, Greek yogurt, and a touch of maple, it’s the perfect fall dessert. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream!

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the Greek yogurt, mixing until just combined.
  4. In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Toss until the apple slices are fully coated.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the apple slices over the batter in an overlapping pattern, covering the top completely.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Slice and serve the cake on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 422Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 388mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 3gSugar: 39gProtein: 8g
© Christopher

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