If you’re looking for the best homemade apple cake recipe, this rich, buttery, and ultra-moist dessert is loaded with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and baked to golden perfection. With a soft crumb and gooey apple filling, this cake is perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting everyday treat.

This is an easy apple cake from scratch that requires simple pantry ingredients yet delivers bakery-quality results. Whether served warm with vanilla ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar, it’s guaranteed to impress.

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📋 Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and diced

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for extra moisture)

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• Caramel sauce drizzle

• Chopped pecans or walnuts

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks.

2. Toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.

3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to release juices and enhance flavor.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and line an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

5. Beat in eggs one at a time.

6. Add vanilla extract and sour cream.

7. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble

1. Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.

2. Spoon half of the apple mixture over the batter.

3. Add remaining batter on top.

4. Finish with remaining apples, gently pressing them slightly into the batter.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Allow cake to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

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🍰 Description & Texture

This moist apple cake from scratch has:

• A buttery, soft crumb

• Juicy cinnamon-spiced apple chunks

• Light caramelization around the edges

• A slightly crisp golden crust

• Tender interior that stays moist for days

The sour cream ensures a rich texture, while brown sugar enhances the caramel flavor. It’s similar to a caramel apple coffee cake but denser and more indulgent.

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🔎 Frequently Asked Questions (High-Value Baking Topics)

1. What are the best apples for apple cake?

For the best apple dessert recipe, choose apples that hold their shape when baked:

• Granny Smith (tart & firm)

• Honeycrisp (sweet & crisp)

• Fuji (naturally sweet)

• Braeburn (balanced flavor)

Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious.

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2. How do I keep apple cake moist?

To ensure a super moist apple cake, follow these tips:

• Use sour cream or Greek yogurt.

• Don’t overmix the batter.

• Measure flour accurately.

• Store in an airtight container.

• Add brown sugar for extra moisture.

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3. Can I make this an upside-down apple cake?

Yes! For a caramel apple upside-down cake recipe, layer butter and brown sugar at the bottom of the pan, arrange apples neatly, pour batter on top, and flip after baking.

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4. Is this recipe good for fall baking ideas?

Absolutely. This cake is perfect for:

• Thanksgiving dessert recipes

• Holiday potlucks

• Cozy autumn brunch

• Family gatherings

• Coffee cake for entertaining guests

It pairs beautifully with hot cider or pumpkin spice latte.

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5. Can I add caramel to this recipe?

Yes! Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top for a caramel apple cake recipe upgrade. You can also swirl caramel directly into the batter before baking.

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6. How long does homemade apple cake last?

Stored properly:

• Room temperature: 2–3 days

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days

• Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap tightly)

This makes it a great make-ahead dessert recipe.

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7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute:

• 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend

• Ensure baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified

The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.

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8. What makes this better than store-bought apple cake?

This from scratch apple cake recipe offers:

• No preservatives

• Fresh real apples

• Customizable sweetness

• Rich homemade flavor

• Better texture than pre-packaged desserts

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9. Can I turn this into apple muffins?

Yes! Pour batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Perfect for a healthy apple breakfast option (reduce sugar slightly if desired).

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10. What frosting pairs best with apple cake?

For a gourmet touch:

• Cream cheese frosting

• Brown butter glaze

• Maple frosting

• Salted caramel drizzle

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream

• Add whipped cream

• Pair with coffee or chai latte

• Dust with powdered sugar for presentation

• Add chopped nuts for crunch

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🥧 Why This Is the Best Easy Apple Cake Recipe

This cake stands out because it:
✔ Uses simple pantry ingredients
✔ Has high moisture content
✔ Features chunky apple filling
✔ Works as a holiday dessert or everyday treat
✔ Is beginner-friendly

Whether you’re searching for a classic apple cake recipe, a moist fall dessert idea, or a homemade comfort food dessert, this recipe checks every box.