Homemade Apple Cake

A Moist, Spiced, and Irresistible Classic That Tastes Like Home

There’s something deeply comforting about apple cake. Maybe it’s the way the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples fills the kitchen. Maybe it’s the rustic charm of a cake that doesn’t need layers or frosting to shine. Or maybe it’s the way every forkful feels like a bite of memory — sweet, soft, and full of heart.

Whatever the reason, Homemade Apple Cake remains one of the most beloved desserts across cultures and generations. This version combines fresh apples with a perfectly spiced batter, producing a cake that is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass down.

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Table of Contents

1. Why You'll Love This Recipe

2. Best Apples for Baking

3. Ingredient List

4. Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

5. How to Prepare the Apples

6. Mixing the Perfect Batter

7. Baking Instructions

8. Optional Glaze or Toppings

9. Serving Suggestions

10. Storage and Freezing Tips

11. Variations and Substitutions

12. Final Thoughts

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1. Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cake isn’t overly sweet or complicated. It’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor, and here’s why it works so well:

• Moist and rich, thanks to the apples and oil

• Filled with texture from diced apples and optional nuts

• Not too sweet, letting the fruit shine

• Perfectly spiced — think cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla

• Easy to make — no mixer required

• Versatile — serve it for breakfast, dessert, or coffee breaks

This apple cake is just as welcome at a holiday table as it is in a lunchbox.

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2. Best Apples for Baking

Not all apples bake the same. For this recipe, you’ll want apples that hold their shape and offer a good sweet-tart balance.

Top choices:

• Granny Smith – Tart, firm, and holds up well

• Honeycrisp – Juicy and sweet-tart

• Braeburn – Mildly tart, great for baking

• Fuji – Very sweet and firm

• Jonathan or Jonagold – Excellent flavor

Feel free to use a mix for depth of flavor.

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3. Ingredient List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade apple cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or light olive oil)

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 3 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Optional Glaze (Vanilla or Maple):

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk (or maple syrup)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla or maple extract

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4. Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment — just a few basics:

• Large mixing bowl

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk or wooden spoon

• 9x13-inch baking dish (or 10-inch bundt pan)

• Rubber spatula

• Peeler and cutting board

• Knife

• Wire rack (for cooling)

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5. How to Prepare the Apples

Step 1: Peel and Chop

• Peel apples using a vegetable peeler or paring knife.

• Core and chop into small cubes (about ½-inch). Uniform size helps even baking.

Tip: Don’t grate the apples — chopped gives better texture.

Step 2: Toss With Lemon (Optional)

If you’re prepping apples ahead of time, toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.

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6. Mixing the Perfect Batter

This is a no-fuss cake that comes together in minutes.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ½ tsp salt

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup white sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 cup oil

• 2 tsp vanilla

Mix until smooth and emulsified.

Step 3: Add Apples

Stir in:

• 3 cups chopped apples

• ½ cup chopped nuts (if using)

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture in two parts, stirring gently just until combined.

Don’t overmix! The batter should be thick but spoonable.

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7. Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

• Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.

• Or butter and flour a bundt pan if you want a circular presentation.

Step 2: Pour and Smooth

• Spoon the thick batter into the pan and spread evenly.

Step 3: Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes (for 9x13 pan) or 60–70 minutes (bundt pan).

• A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 4: Cool

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack (if using a bundt pan) or let cool in the dish.

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8. Optional Glaze or Toppings

You don’t need a topping, but here are some fun options:

Classic Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Whisk and drizzle over cooled cake.

Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon milk

• ½ tsp maple extract (optional)

Drizzle generously for fall vibes.

Other Topping Ideas:

• Dust with powdered sugar

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Sprinkle with toasted nuts or cinnamon sugar

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9. Serving Suggestions

Homemade apple cake is incredibly versatile. Try serving it:

• Warm with whipped cream or ice cream

• Chilled for a firmer texture

• With coffee or tea as a breakfast treat

• As a holiday dessert with mulled cider

Cut into squares or slices and serve on its own or dressed up.

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10. Storage and Freezing Tips

Storage:

• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered tightly.

• Refrigerate for up to 5–6 days. Let come to room temp before serving.

Freezing:

• Wrap individual slices or the whole (cooled) cake in plastic wrap.

• Freeze in airtight container for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for several hours.

Tip: Freeze without glaze and add fresh after thawing for best texture.

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11. Variations and Substitutions

This cake is forgiving and easily adapted.

Fruit Additions:

• Add ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries

• Swap half the apples with pears

• Use grated carrots or zucchini for an autumn twist

Spices:

• Add ¼ tsp ground cloves or allspice

• Use apple pie spice instead of individual spices

Healthier Twists:

• Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce

• Use whole wheat pastry flour for more fiber

• Reduce sugar slightly if using sweeter apples

Vegan Version:

• Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water)

• Substitute plant-based milk and vegan-friendly sugar

Gluten-Free Version:

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

• Ensure baking soda and powder are certified gluten-free

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12. Final Thoughts

Homemade Apple Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a moment of connection, a warm memory, a slice of comfort. From the tender apple chunks to the spiced crumb and moist texture, this cake feels like it came straight out of grandma’s kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven, dressed up with glaze, or eaten plain with a cup of coffee, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

Make it for your family. Share it with neighbors. Wrap it up for friends. Or bake it just for yourself on a rainy afternoon — and enjoy every last cozy, delicious bite.