This simple apple cake is soft, buttery, and wonderfully tender, with thin slices of fresh apple baked into every bite. It comes together with everyday ingredients and makes a cozy dessert or sweet treat with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
2. Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix just until the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing.
3. Add the Apples
Fold about two-thirds of the sliced apples into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Arrange the remaining apple slices over the top.
If desired, sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture over the apples.
4. Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final part of baking.
5. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a serving plate.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake
- Choose apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
- Slice the apples thinly so they become tender and blend beautifully into the soft cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added.
- For an extra moist cake, don’t overbake it.
- A little lemon juice tossed with the sliced apples can help prevent browning and add a pleasant brightness.
Storage
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Warm individual slices for a few seconds before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8–10