10 Delicious Apple Cake Recipes You'll Love

Apple cakes have a timeless charm and can be the perfect treat for a casual gathering, a special occasion, or just a comforting dessert after dinner. Whether it's the crunch of the apple or the warm spice notes, apple cakes offer a delightful taste of autumn regardless of the season. Here are ten delicious apple cake recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your loved ones:

Classic Apple Bundt Cake

Nothing says “apple cake” quite like the Classic Apple Bundt Cake. Here’s how to make this traditional treat:

• 3 cups of diced apples, peeled and cored (Granny Smith works best for tartness)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable oil
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon nutmeg
• A pinch of salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. In another bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry into the wet mixture until just combined, then gently fold in the apples.

Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍎 Note: Ensure the oven is at the right temperature before placing your cake inside for even baking.

Caramel Apple Sheet Cake

This recipe features an apple cake infused with caramel flavors, perfect for serving a crowd:

• 4 cups apples, peeled and diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon allspice

Begin by prepping your apples and combining them with half of the caramel sauce. In a mixer, cream together butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, followed by buttermilk. Mix in the dry ingredients, then fold in the apple mixture.

Pour into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake

This layered apple cake is a showstopper, perfect for special occasions:

• 6 cups apples, thinly sliced
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cloves

For the frosting:

• 2 packs cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix the cake ingredients as above, adding apples last. Divide batter between three greased 8-inch cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla. Frost between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

Glazed Apple Crumb Cake

Delicately spiced with a crumbly topping, this cake combines the best of texture and flavor:

• 4 cups apples, chopped
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk

For the crumb topping:

• ¹⁄₂ cup flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and sugar, then cut in butter until crumbly. Add eggs and milk, mix until just combined, then fold in apples. Pour into a greased baking dish. For the topping, combine ingredients and sprinkle over the cake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes.

Finish with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a delightful touch.

Vegan Apple Spice Cake

Catering to dietary restrictions, this vegan apple cake is moist, flavorful, and uses wholesome ingredients:

• 3 cups apples, peeled and grated
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup unrefined sugar (like coconut or date sugar)
• ¹⁄₃ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¹⁄₂ cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Mix wet ingredients in one bowl, combine dry in another, then gently mix together. Add grated apples last. Bake in a greased cake pan at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Let it cool before slicing.

🍎 Note: Replace apple cider vinegar with lemon juice if not available.

Apple Coffee Cake

This cake is perfect for breakfast or a casual snack with its delightful cinnamon-sugar topping:

• 2 cups apples, finely chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the topping:

• ¹⁄₂ cup flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Prepare the batter and spread into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.

Dutch Apple Cake

This version has a unique crumble topping, making it a delightful treat:

• 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 ³⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• ³⁄₄ cup flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, chilled

Combine ingredients for the cake and spread in a greased dish. Top with the crumble and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.

Apple Tarte Tatin

Although not a traditional cake, this upside-down caramelized apple tart serves as a wonderful dessert:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 6-8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cinnamon

Caramelize sugar in a skillet, add butter, then arrange apple halves cut side up. Cook until caramel turns a deep amber. Cover with puff pastry, tucking the edges in. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-30 minutes. Let cool slightly before inverting onto a serving dish.

🍎 Note: The caramel can be very hot, so handle with care when inverting the tarte.

Apple Streusel Cheesecake

This cheesecake brings together the creaminess of cheesecake with the homely flavors of apple:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups apples, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, melted
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the streusel:

• ¹⁄₂ cup flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, chilled and cubed

Press graham cracker mixture into a springform pan for the base. Mix cheesecake filling and pour over crust. Arrange apples on top, sprinkle with streusel. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour.

Summary

Apple cakes are a versatile dessert that bring comfort and delight with every bite. From the classic Apple Bundt to the luxurious Apple Tarte Tatin, these recipes offer a variety of textures and flavors to suit any palate. Baking an apple cake not only fills your home with inviting aromas but also provides a dessert that is both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, these recipes will guide you to bake the perfect apple cake, ensuring every slice is enjoyed with joy and satisfaction.

What types of apples are best for baking?

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Apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal for baking due to their firm texture which holds up well during cooking and their balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I use a different type of oil in apple cake recipes?

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Yes, while most recipes call for vegetable oil, you can substitute with canola or light olive oil. However, these might impart a slight flavor change.

How do I keep my apple cake from becoming dry?

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To prevent a dry cake, ensure not to overmix the batter, which can develop too much gluten. Also, wrap the cake properly if storing to retain moisture, and check doneness with a toothpick slightly before the recommended baking time.