Fluffy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Apple Cake

This fluffy melt-in-your-mouth apple cake is soft, tender, and wonderfully moist, with sweet apples tucked into a delicate vanilla cake. It’s simple enough for a cozy afternoon treat yet delicious enough to serve for dessert.

Ingredients

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Powdered sugar, for dusting, optional

Directions

1. Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Place the sliced apples in a bowl and toss them with the lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Make the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two or three additions, alternating with the milk. Mix gently just until everything is combined.

Do not overmix, as this can make the cake less fluffy.

5. Add the Apples

Pour about half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.

Arrange some of the apple slices over the batter. Add the remaining batter and gently spread it over the apples. Arrange the remaining apple slices on top.

6. Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.

7. Serve

Once slightly cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.

Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea, coffee, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips

Choose firm, naturally sweet-tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
Bring the butter and eggs to room temperature for a smoother, fluffier batter.
Slice the apples thinly so they become tender while baking.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour.
For extra warmth and flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture.
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Meta Description

This fluffy melt-in-your-mouth apple cake is soft, moist, and filled with tender cinnamon apples. An easy homemade dessert perfect with coffee or tea.