Description
This easy apple cake is moist, rustic, and packed with chunks of sweet-tart apples and warm cinnamon. It’s a nostalgic, foolproof recipe perfect for cozy fall baking and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 3 medium apples (about 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Optional topping: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop 3 medium apples into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in sour cream or yogurt until incorporated.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples and any optional nuts or raisins.
- Spoon batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar topping if desired.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a loaf pan, add 5-10 minutes to bake time.
- Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and carefully lift out. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. For gluten-free, use a cup-for-cup GF flour blend. Don’t overmix the batter. Cake is even better the next day as flavors deepen. Optional add-ins like nuts or raisins add texture. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple cake, easy apple cake, moist apple cake, fall baking, rustic cake, mom's apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, homemade cake, autumn dessert