Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Apple Pie Cake combines the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with the soft, tender texture of a cake. It’s a delightful dessert perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings, offering sweet, warmly spiced apple slices layered within moist cake.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a bowl, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the apple slices and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Step 4: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange half of the apple slices over the batter.
- Step 8: Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the remaining apple slices on top.
- Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweetness of the cake.
- For extra richness, sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans between the layers.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an extra special touch.
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Storage
Store the apple pie cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days, wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or serve at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh apples for texture and flavor. If using frozen apples, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it includes baking powder and baking soda or add them separately to maintain texture.
Print
Apple Pie Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Pie Cake combines the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple pie with the soft, moist texture of a cake. Thinly sliced apples coated in cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar are layered within a tender vanilla-scented batter, resulting in a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apples
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Toss Apples with Lemon Juice: In a bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them fresh.
- Coat Apples with Sugars and Spices: In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the apples and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Beat Butter and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Batter: Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange half of the coated apple slices over the batter evenly.
- Add Remaining Batter and Apples: Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the surface with a spatula. Arrange the remaining apple slices on top to create a beautiful layered look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans between the layers.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie cake, apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, baked apple dessert, fall desserts
