This soft apple cake is tender, moist, lightly sweet, and filled with juicy pieces of apple. It comes together in one bowl with simple ingredients and needs no mixer. Enjoy it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup neutral-flavored oil, such as sunflower or canola
- ½ cup milk
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 16 g baking powder
- 1 tsp lemon or orange flavoring, or zest of 1 citrus fruit
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly foamy.
- Add the oil, milk, and lemon or orange flavoring.
- Mix until well combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour and baking powder.
- Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Add the Apples
- Fold the diced apples into the batter.
- Make sure the apple pieces are evenly distributed.
5. Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Best Apples to Use
Choose apples that soften during baking while keeping some texture.
- Gala: Sweet and tender
- Fuji: Sweet and crisp
- Honeycrisp: Sweet with a slight tartness
- Granny Smith: Firm and tart
- Golden Delicious: Mild and sweet
You can also use a combination of sweet and tart apples for a more balanced flavor.
Helpful Baking Tips
- Measure the flour accurately to avoid a dry cake.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour.
- Use fresh baking powder for the best rise.
- Keep the apple pieces relatively small so they bake evenly.
- Check the cake around the 30-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Flavor Variations
Cinnamon Apple Cake
Add 1 tsp ground cinnamon to the batter and sprinkle a little over the top before baking.
Apple and Walnut Cake
Fold ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
Spiced Apple Cake
Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom along with the cinnamon.
Caramel Apple Cake
Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Apple and Raisin Cake
Add ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake:
- Dust with powdered sugar
- With whipped cream
- Alongside vanilla ice cream
- Warm with caramel sauce
- With a cup of tea or coffee
Storage
- Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen slices at room temperature and warm briefly before serving.
Baking Pan Options
| Pan | Approximate Bake Time |
|---|---|
| 9-inch round cake pan | 30–35 minutes |
| 8×8-inch square pan | 30–35 minutes |
| Muffin tin | 20–25 minutes |
| Loaf pan | 45–50 minutes |
Baking times may vary depending on the pan and oven, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
Nutrition Per Serving
Approximate values:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
Yes, but the cake will have a softer texture and less noticeable apple pieces.
Why is my apple cake dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can make the cake dry. Measure the flour carefully and begin checking the cake after 30 minutes.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes. Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The cake will be slightly denser.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based milk and replace the eggs with a suitable egg substitute such as flax eggs or applesauce.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How many apples should I use?
Two medium apples, about 1½ cups diced, are ideal for this recipe.
How can I make the cake extra fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour, and make sure your baking powder is fresh.