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Apple Cake Recipe

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Amy GoldenBy Amy Golden
Amy Golden
Amy Golden Food Writer

Curious home cook and copyeditor, with a zest for tasting and writing.

Expertise: Baking and Southern Cooking View all posts →
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Savor the best of the autumn season and head into the kitchen to whip up this fragrant Apple Cake Recipe.

Moist apple nut cake with chopped walnuts on a white plate, fresh apples in background.

I have a favorite black suede bucket purse. It looks great with jeans, but it’s also sleek enough for work or dressier events. It’s good to have a few pieces in your closet that can do double duty. The same goes for your recipe repertoire. You’ll want a couple of versatile go-to options, and for me, apple cake is one of them. It’s delicious as a coffee cake on a brunch table, and it also works beautifully as a dessert.

You might be thinking, “No frosting? Is it even a cake?” But trust me, this apple cake is so full of apple, cinnamon, and nutty flavor that you won’t miss it. Even when you serve it for dessert.

You’ll love this apple cake because it’s moist, sweet, and cozy. You can cut the apple pieces and nuts roughly, but if you prefer a smoother texture, just chop everything finely. You can easily customize this cake to suit your tastes. Best of all, this cake is simple and foolproof. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a baker, you can make it and get great results every time.

Buttery puff pastry ingredients including eggs, chopped apples, chopped nuts, sugar, vanilla, and spices for baking.

A healthier cake

If you’re looking to make this cake just a little more wholesome, start by replacing the canola oil with unsweetened applesauce. Not only will the applesauce ensure moist results without the need for excess fat, but its natural sweetness also means that you can cut down on the sugar. In this case, both sugars can easily be replaced with a half cup of coconut sugar, which also has a lower glycemic index. If you’re looking to add extra fiber, the all-purpose flour can also be replaced with whole-wheat flour, though bear in mind that this will produce denser results.

Creamy apple cinnamon porridge topped with chopped apples and walnuts for a cozy breakfast.

How do I store leftovers?

This apple cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. In the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 1 week, though it will lose some of its tender crumb. The cake also freezes well. After it’s cool, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Butter cake with chopped nuts on cooling rack.

Serving suggestions

If you’re serving this cake as part of an autumnal breakfast or brunch buffet, pair it with hearty dishes such as this comforting Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole or these easy Sheet Pan Eggs. Serving it for dessert or a special treat? Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of Sea Salt And Vanilla Bean Caramel Sauce. Of course, it’s also perfect with a warm drink, such as this Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Spice Latte.

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Moist apple nut cake with chopped walnuts on a white plate, fresh apples in background.

Apple Cake Recipe

Close-up of a smiling woman with curly dark hair sitting indoors at a cafe or restaurant.Amy Golden
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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Cooling Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 289 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 small apples peeled and chopped
  • 1/3 cup walnuts chopped, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until pale and foamy, about 1 minute. Add the oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
    Creamy batter in a large mixing bowl with a whisk, surrounded by ingredients for baking.
  • Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Whisk until well combined.
    Flour being added to a batter in a mixing bowl for baking.
  • Gently fold in the chopped apples using a rubber spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
    Creamy apple cinnamon porridge topped with chopped apples and walnuts for a cozy breakfast.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. If using, sprinkle on chopped nuts and gently press them into the batter.
    Creamy walnut dessert in pan with chopped walnuts topping.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
    Moist apple cake topped with chopped walnuts on a cooling rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 194mgFiber: 2g
Keyword Apple Cake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Close-up of a smiling woman with curly dark hair sitting indoors at a cafe or restaurant.

About Amy Golden

Curious home cook and copyeditor, with a zest for tasting and writing.

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Published: Aug 4, 2025 | Updated: Dec 12, 2025

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