Aliquam in sagittis nulla. Curabitur euismod diam eget risus venenatis, sed dictum lectus bibendum. Nunc nunc nisi, hendrerit eget nisi id, rhoncus rutrum velit. Nunc vel mauris dolor. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Aliquam fringilla quis nisi eget imperdiet.
This easy apple cake is moist, tender, and packed with fresh apples, making it the perfect treat for fall or any time of the year. Serve it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a rich brown sugar glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
Save This Recipe!
Enter your email and we’ll send you this recipe so you can come back to it later! 😊
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 12
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Ultra-Moist & Flavorful – Apples, applesauce, and warm spices create the perfect texture and taste.
- One-Bowl Recipe – Simple ingredients and easy mixing make this a no-fuss cake.
- Two Topping Options – Enjoy it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a rich caramel-like glaze.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for gatherings, holidays, or an everyday sweet treat.
- Stays Fresh for Days – The flavors develop even more over time, making it great for make-ahead baking.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (313g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the cake soft.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise evenly.
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda – Enhances the cake’s texture and helps with browning.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, cozy spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Gives depth to the flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon EACH ground ginger & allspice – Complements the cinnamon with extra warmth.
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil – Keeps the cake incredibly moist.
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
- ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 cup (180g) unsweetened applesauce – Enhances moisture while adding natural sweetness.
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature – Provides structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors.
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) orange juice – Brightens the cake and complements the apples.
- 3 cups (360g) peeled, chopped apples – Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
Optional: Brown Sugar Glaze
- ¼ cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter – Adds richness.
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar – Creates a deep caramel flavor.
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream – Makes the glaze smooth and creamy.
- Small pinch of salt – Enhances the flavors.
- ½ cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted – Thickens the glaze slightly.
Free
MINESTRONE COOKBOOK
Grab your FREE cookbook with our
10 Favorite Minestrone Soup Recipes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange juice until smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed. The batter will be thick—this is normal!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the cake browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil around the 30-minute mark.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before adding a topping or serving.
Step 7: Optional – Dust with Powdered Sugar
For a simple topping, dust 2 tablespoons (15g) of confectioners’ sugar over the slightly warm cake before serving.
For the Brown Sugar Glaze (Optional)
Step 1: Heat the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir constantly until the butter melts.
Step 2: Boil and Simmer
Once melted, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a rapid boil for 1 minute. Lower the heat, stir briefly, and let it simmer for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Add the Confectioners’ Sugar
Remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Let the glaze cool for at least 20 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Drizzle Over the Cake
Spoon the glaze over the cake just before serving. If it thickens too much, warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds, then stir and drizzle.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape while baking and add a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Bake it a day ahead, store it covered, and glaze it just before serving for the best texture.
