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Apples Apple Cake Recipe

Apples Apple Cake Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade apple cake packed with fresh fruit and warm spices. This easy baking recipe features a moist, tender crumb studded with chunks of apple and topped with a buttery streusel that creates the perfect texture contrast. Perfect for fall baking or anytime you crave a comforting treat!
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Serves:
1 cake (10 slices)
An overhead shot of a rustic apple cake in a ceramic dish, with a slice being lifted to reveal its moist, apple-studded interior. Soft natural light streams across the scene, highlighting the golden-brown crumb topping and caramelized apple pieces visible throughout. The cake sits on a weathered wooden table alongside a vintage teacup, with scattered cinnamon sticks, fresh apple slices, and a light dusting of powdered sugar creating visual interest. Steam rises gently from the freshly cut slice, emphasizing the cake's warmth and homemade appeal, while the rich amber tones of the baked apples contrast beautifully with the light cake crumb.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 medium apples (about 450g), peeled and diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, at room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml buttermilk (or 60ml milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the streusel topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g cold butter, cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) round cake pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Electric mixer (stand or handheld)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your cake won't stick and will come out cleanly after baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Prepare the streusel topping first by combining the cold cubed butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This texture variation creates those delightful crispy bits in the finished topping. Refrigerate while you make the cake batter.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil until well combined. The oil rather than butter creates an exceptionally moist cake that stays fresh longer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These warm spices complement the apples perfectly and create that classic apple cake aroma.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk (beginning and ending with dry ingredients). Mix just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough cake, so use gentle folding motions with your spatula.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don't worry if the batter seems thick - the apples will release moisture during baking, contributing to the cake's tender crumb.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Remove the streusel from the refrigerator and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter, gently pressing it in just slightly to adhere.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the streusel browning too quickly, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil after about 30 minutes of baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. The cooling time allows the structure to set, making it easier to remove without breaking. Then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto the rack, remove the parchment paper, and then invert again so the streusel side is facing up. Let cool completely before slicing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve at room temperature or slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. The cake will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves on the second day as the spices meld beautifully!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Apples Apple Cake Recipe?

The main ingredients are fresh apples, all-purpose flour, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The streusel topping uses cold butter, brown sugar, flour, and more cinnamon for that perfect crispy contrast.

How to cook Apples Apple Cake Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Apples Apple Cake Recipe by first preparing a streusel topping, then making a spiced batter with fresh apples folded in. Pour the batter into a prepared cake tin, top with streusel, and bake at 175°C for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool before serving.

Which apple varieties work best for a moist apple cake?

Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady apples work wonderfully as they hold their shape during baking while offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Mixing two varieties provides depth of flavour and creates interesting texture contrasts throughout the cake.

Can I freeze apple cake with streusel topping?

Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in cling film and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

Why is my apple cake soggy in the middle?

Soggy apple cake usually results from underbaking, using too many apples, or not allowing steam to escape. Ensure you bake until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs, dice apples uniformly, and let the cake cool properly in the pan before removing to prevent moisture buildup.

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Grease a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your cake won't stick and will come out cleanly after baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Make streusel", "text": "Prepare the streusel topping first by combining the cold cubed butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Refrigerate while you make the cake batter." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix wet ingredients", "text": "In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. 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Remove the streusel from the refrigerator and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter, gently pressing it in just slightly to adhere." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake", "text": "Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the streusel browning too quickly, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil after about 30 minutes of baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool", "text": "Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto the rack, remove the parchment paper, and then invert again so the streusel side is facing up. Let cool completely before slicing." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve", "text": "Serve at room temperature or slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "143" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Sanchez", "datePublished": "2024-04-10", "reviewBody": "Perfect balance of apples and spice! I made this for a family gathering and everyone wanted the recipe. The streusel topping adds such a wonderful texture contrast to the moist cake.", "name": "Perfectly Balanced Flavors", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Akira Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-04-05", "reviewBody": "This cake stayed so moist all week! I stored it in an airtight container and it was as delicious on day 5 as it was freshly baked. The apple chunks keep everything tender and the spice flavor develops beautifully.", "name": "Stays Fresh for Days", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elena Popova", "datePublished": "2024-04-12", "reviewBody": "My grandmother requested this recipe after just one bite! She's been baking for over 60 years and said this was one of the best apple cakes she's ever tasted. The buttermilk makes such a difference in the texture.", "name": "Grandma Approved", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Liam O'Connor", "datePublished": "2024-04-08", "reviewBody": "Best use for autumn apples I've found! We went apple picking and had so many leftover apples - this cake was the perfect solution. The house smelled amazing while it was baking too. Will definitely make again!", "name": "Perfect Fall Recipe", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophia Zhang", "datePublished": "2024-04-15", "reviewBody": "The streusel topping absolutely makes this cake! I actually doubled the streusel because I love that crumbly texture so much. The contrast between the crisp top and the soft, apple-studded cake is just perfect. I've already shared this recipe with all my friends!", "name": "Streusel Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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