Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Pie Cake is the best of two beloved desserts combined into one comforting bake. It has the warm, spiced flavors of traditional apple pie paired with the soft, tender crumb of a homemade cake. This recipe is ideal when you want something familiar yet slightly different, especially during cooler months or holiday gatherings. I love how the apples soften as they bake, creating pockets of sweetness throughout the cake, while the cinnamon aroma fills the kitchen. The first time I made this, it felt like a dessert that belonged on a family table, simple, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. It is not overly sweet, which makes it perfect for serving after dinner or even alongside coffee in the afternoon. Whether you are baking for guests or simply craving a cozy treat, apple pie cake delivers comfort in every slice.
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Apple Pie Cake: The Perfect Blend of Classic Pie and Cozy Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple pie cake is a cozy dessert that combines the flavors of classic apple pie with a moist, tender cake, layered with spiced apples and a soft crumb topping.
Ingredients
- 3 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Layer spiced apples evenly over the batter.
- Top with remaining batter.
- Mix brown sugar, flour, and melted butter to form a crumb topping.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the cake.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for best flavor.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cake while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a light texture.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with apples.
Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor, giving the cake a classic homemade taste.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and help the cake rise evenly.
Milk
Milk adds moisture and creates a smooth batter consistency.
Baking powder
Baking powder gives the cake lift and ensures an even rise.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances the apple and spice flavors.
Apples
Apples are the star of the cake. They soften during baking and provide natural sweetness and texture.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and that unmistakable apple pie flavor.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg adds subtle depth and complements the cinnamon without overpowering.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to the cake.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a baking pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream the butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined. Fold the chopped apples gently into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 to 10 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is approximately 50 minutes. Total time is around 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store apple pie cake covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to four days. Reheat slices gently or serve at room temperature.
Variations and Customizations
Apple Pie Cake is easy to customize. You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or a light crumb topping for extra texture. When I tested it with a crumb topping, it added a bakery-style finish that worked beautifully.
For extra apple pie flavor, toss the apples with a little cinnamon and brown sugar before folding them into the batter. A simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar can be added once the cake cools. You can also serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert. These variations allow you to adapt the cake while keeping its cozy, familiar character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This cake contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is a comforting dessert best enjoyed in moderation and can be adapted with alternative ingredients if needed.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use firm apples
Firm apples hold their shape better during baking.
Do not overmix
Overmixing can make the cake dense.
Cut apples evenly
Even pieces ensure consistent texture.
Cool before slicing
Cooling helps the cake set properly.
FAQs
What apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work very well.
Can I use canned apples?
Fresh apples are recommended for best texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze apple pie cake?
Yes, freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to two months.
Is this cake very sweet?
It is balanced and not overly sweet.
Can I add raisins?
Yes, raisins pair well with apples and spices.
What pan size should I use?
A 9×9-inch baking pan works well.
Can I add caramel?
Yes, a drizzle of caramel adds richness.
Does it need frosting?
No, it is flavorful on its own.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes, warm slices are especially comforting.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that blends the flavors of classic apple pie with the ease of a simple cake. Soft, spiced, and filled with tender apples, it is perfect for sharing with family or enjoying quietly with a cup of coffee. Easy to make and endlessly comforting, this cake is a recipe you will return to whenever you crave something cozy and familiar.
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