🍎 Classic Apple Cake
Description
Classic Apple Cake is a cozy, old-fashioned dessert made with tender chunks of fresh apples, warm spices, and a soft, moist crumb. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. This cake is simple, comforting, and ideal for fall—but honestly delicious year-round.
📝 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
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¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
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½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
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¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
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2 large eggs (room temperature)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup (120 ml) milk or buttermilk
Apples
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2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2–3 medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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¼ cup raisins
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
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Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with milk. Mix gently until just combined.
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Fold in diced apples (and nuts/raisins if using).
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍽️ Servings
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Serves: 8–10 slices
🧁 Notes
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The cake tastes even better the next day as the apple flavor deepens.
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You can dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with simple glaze for extra sweetness.
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Works well as both a dessert and a breakfast cake.
💡 Tips for Best Results
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Use firm apples to prevent sogginess.
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Do not overmix the batter—this keeps the cake tender.
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If apples are very juicy, pat them dry before adding.
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For extra moisture, replace milk with buttermilk or yogurt.
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Want more spice? Add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
🧮 Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)
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Calories: 260–280 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 35 g
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Protein: 4 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Fiber: 2–3 g
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Sugar: 18 g
(Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.)
🌿 Health Benefits
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Apples provide fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
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Homemade cake avoids preservatives found in store-bought desserts.
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Moderate sweetness makes it a lighter dessert option.
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Nuts (if added) contribute healthy fats and protein.
❓ Q & A
Q: What are the best apples for apple cake?
A: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape and balance sweetness.
Q: Can I make this cake eggless?
A: Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or yogurt.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Q: How should I store apple cake?
A: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze apple cake?
A: Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.