Name: Simple Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488368H48M59S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream, buttermilk, or kefir); 3 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks; ¼ cup brown sugar (for tossing apples); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; Optional toppings: confectioners’ sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream

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This simple apple cake is a moist, tender treat loaded with juicy chunks of fresh apple and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. I love how it works as an everyday dessert, yet still looks beautiful enough for special occasions—especially served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s quick to put together with pantry staples, doesn’t require a mixer, and can be baked in a variety of pans. The chunks of apple give it a rustic, homey feel, while the spices make it taste cozy and comforting. It’s the kind of cake that works for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a midday snack.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Vegetable oil (or olive oil, walnut oil, or avocado oil)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Greek yogurt (or buttermilk, kefir, or sour cream)
Fresh apples (peeled, cored, and cut into chunks—sweet, tart, or a mix)
Brown sugar (for tossing with apples)
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Nutmeg

Optional toppings: confectioners’ sugar, ice cream, caramel sauce, dulce de leche, whipped cream

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×3-inch springform pan or high-sided 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it lightly.
I peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks, then toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl, I whisk the oil, sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
I fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
I gently fold in the prepared apple chunks.
I pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
I bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
I cool slightly before serving warm, or let it cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Servings and timing

This cake serves 8–10 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 45–55 minutes, and cooling takes about 15 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
Swapping some of the oil for melted butter adds a richer flavor.
A pinch of cloves or allspice gives it a deeper spice profile.
I’ve made it with pears instead of apples for a softer, fragrant twist.
A streusel topping turns it into a coffee cake.

storage/reheating

I store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a low oven until just warmed through.

FAQs

What are the best apples for this cake?

I like firm varieties such as Fuji, Gala, Honey Crisp, Cosmic Crisp, or Granny Smith. Mixing sweet and tart apples works beautifully.

Do I have to peel the apples?

I usually peel them for a softer texture, but leaving the skin on works if the apples are fresh and thin-skinned.

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes, it stays moist for days and can be baked a day ahead of serving.

Can I bake it in a skillet?

Yes, a 10–11-inch cast iron skillet works well—just watch the baking time.

How do I make it look more decorative?

I arrange a few apple slices on top before baking, or sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sparkly finish.

Conclusion

I love making this simple apple cake because it’s a no-fuss dessert that celebrates the flavor and texture of fresh apples. Whether I serve it plain, dusted with sugar, or topped with ice cream and caramel, it always feels comforting, homemade, and just the right amount of sweet.

Simple Apple Cake

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This Simple Apple Cake is a moist, tender dessert made from scratch with juicy chunks of fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Easy to make without a mixer, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a quick sweet treat any time of the year.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings
Category: Dessert, Cake, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¾ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream, buttermilk, or kefir)
3 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
¼ cup brown sugar (for tossing apples)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Optional toppings: confectioners’ sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×3-inch springform pan or a high-sided 9-inch round cake pan.
Toss apple chunks with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, Greek yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
Gently fold in the apple mixture.
Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool slightly before serving warm, or cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or adding toppings.