Nothing beats the comforting flavors of apple pie, but sometimes you want something a little quicker and easier. That’s where this easy apple pie cake comes in—a perfect blend of moist cake and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that tastes like a homemade classic.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving a sweet treat, this apple pie cake recipe is simple enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm scent of fall in every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best flavors of apple pie in a quick cake form.
- Uses everyday ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Moist, tender crumb with juicy, spiced apple pieces throughout.
- Perfect for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
- Easy to customize with nuts or a crumb topping if you like.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your apple pie cake come to life.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 medium apples (about 1 1/2 cups diced, peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or chopped walnuts for topping
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make Easy and Delicious Apple Pie Cake – The Best Homemade Dessert You'll Ever Make!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined; do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Toss the diced apples with lemon juice in a small bowl, then gently fold them into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch.
- Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown around the edges.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving if you like.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps your cake light and tender.
- If you want extra moisture, swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt or add a splash of milk.
- Try adding a crumb topping made from brown sugar, butter, and oats for extra texture.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover apple pie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it fresh longer. If refrigerating, bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
You can also freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Fresh apples are best for texture, but if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 for best results. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add great flavor and texture. Fold them in along with the apples before baking.
How can I make this cake more like traditional apple pie?
Try adding a crumb topping or a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon and sugar on top before baking for a more pie-like crust effect.