This Chocolate Apple Cake is an easy and moist cake that is full of sweet, fresh apples, warm cinnamon spices, and tons of chocolate. The fresh apples are incredibly soft and the richness decadent chocolate is so delicious. It's truly the best combination!
After making my Easy Apple Cake and it being one of the most popular recipes on the blog (for good reason), I knew I had to make a chocolate version. I am the biggest chocolate fan and this cake is one of my new fall favorites!
Whether it's served with your morning coffee, or dessert after dinner, this melt in your mouth Chocolate Apple Cake is such a treat. It's made with simple ingredients that you already probably have in your pantry and requires no electric mixer.
The aroma of fresh cinnamon nutmeg spices and rich chocolate that fills the air while this cake bakes in your home is truly unbeatable. It's the ultimate cozy cake. I'm so excited to share this recipe so let's get right into it!
Step by step instructions
Here is how to make and bake this Chocolate Apple Cake. You will need a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper, 3 bowls, a spatula, and a whisk.
Step 1 – Prep. Peel and cut the apples into small cubes. Set aside while you make the cake batter.
Step 2 – Mix dry ingredients. In a medium sized bowl, add in flour, sifted cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg cloves, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine and set aside.
Step 3 – Whisk the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, add oil, brown sugar, white sugar, applesauce, vanilla, and eggs. Mix for 2-3 minutes until well combined. Make sure to scrap the sides of the bowl when needed.
Step 4 - Add the dry ingredients. Gently combine the dry and wet ingredients together using a spatula. Do not over-mix!
Step 5 - Add in apples. Mix the chopped apples in a few times, do not over-mix!
Step 6 - Transfer and bake. Spread the cake batter evenly between the cake pan. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for a crunchy sweet top (optional).
The cake bakes for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool, then slice and enjoy!
FAQ
How do I store this cake?
Chocolate Apple Cake is best served fresh within the first few days. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Do I use unsweetened or sweetened applesauce?
Either works! Using sweetened will make the cake *slightly* more sweet, obviously. I always use unsweetened in my bakes.
What type of apples work best in this Chocolate Apple Cake?
This is a personal preference. I enjoy using tart apples, like Granny Smith, in this cake. I find it contrasts the sweetness from the sugar well. Whatever kind you have on hand will work though.
Should I peel the apples before adding them in?
I peeled mine, but you don't have to! Keeping the skin adds more texture in the cake.
PS : If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW down below! I'd love to stay connected on Instagram @taffeybakery! To get more recipes follow me on TikTok @taffeybakery!
Chocolate Apple Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2/3 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 medium-sized apples chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
For the cinnamon sugar sprinkle
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/180℃. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. Peel and chop the apples into small cubes and set aside. In a small cup, combine the cinnamon and white sugar and set aside to use later for the topping.2 medium-sized apples, 2 tbsp white sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- In a bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder (make sure it's sifted), cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine and set aside.1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 3/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- In another large bowl, add the applesauce, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until smooth.1/2 cup oil, 2/3 cups unsweetened applesauce, 1 tbsp vanilla, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients together until a soft cake batter forms. Do not over-mix!
- Mix in the chopped apples a few times until well distributed amongst the batter, once again, do not over-mix!2 medium-sized apples
- Transfer into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping on top for a sweet top (optional).
- Bake the cake for 35-45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy!
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