Easy Apple Cake

This is the easiest most delicious Apple Cake! It has fresh soft apples, cinnamon spice, applesauce, and incredible flavours bursting in every bite. This cake melts-in-your-mouth and before you know it you'll be going for seconds!

There is nothing like an apple cake fresh out of the oven. The aromas, the soft cake, the first bite...I'm in heaven just thinking about it!

This cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a dinner party and you need to quickly bake something, or a simple weekend treat. It is decadent and spectacular.

My favourite part about this cake is how easy it is. You don't even need an electric mixer.

For more apple bakes, try Apple Breakfast Cake, Applesauce Coffee Cake, and Apple Oatmeal Muffins.

Jump to:

• Why this recipe works
• Ingredients Notes
• Step by step instructions
• Expert Baking Tips
• FAQ
• Check out more applesauce recipes
• Easy Apple Cake

Why this recipe works

• Breakfast idea – This is a great recipe to make ahead of time and then enjoy with your morning coffee!
• Easy to make – This cake comes together with just a few simple steps!
• Apples – Perfect to use up apples any time of the year.

Ingredients Notes

Full recipe and ingredients are in the recipe card below. Feel free to scroll through this section to view certain key ingredients we’re using!

• Apples – I used 2 large Granny Smith apples. You can use any kind of apples though. I prefer using a tart apple in this cake as it compliments well with the sweetness. I had 2 cups total, sliced into small cubes. I chopped them with the skin off, but you can keep it if you wish.
• Applesauce – I used unsweetened applesauce.
• Cornstarch – This helps add a tender crumb to the cake and keeps the apples from sinking to the bottom.
• Eggs – Make sure they’re at room temperature before beginning.
• Flour – All-purpose flour is used in this recipe.

Step by step instructions

Here is how to make and bake this easy apple cake. You will need a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper, 3 mixing bowls, a spatula, and a whisk.

Step 1 – Prep. Grease the pan. For easy removal of the cake, place parchment paper on the bottom and 2 sides of the pan. Gently grease the other two sides and then set aside. Peel and cut the apples into small cubes. Gently toss the chopped apples in 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Then set aside while you make the cake batter.

Step 2 – Mix dry ingredients. In a medium sized bowl, add in flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 3 – Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, add oil, brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla, and eggs. Mix for 2-3 minutes until well combined. Make sure to scrap the sides of the bowl.

Step 4 - Add the dry ingredients. Add the dry into the wet and using a spatula, mix until just combined and no flour streaks appear. Do not over-mix!

Step 5 - Add the apples. Add them into the batter and mix until just combined and evenly distributed. Don't over-mix!

Step 6 – Bake. Spread the batter into the prepared pan evenly. In a small cup, mix together 3 tsps sugar and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle that on top. This will give you a sweet crunchy top. 

Bake this easy apple cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. It took me 30 minutes exactly in my oven, but ovens do vary so keep an eye on it after 25 minutes 🙂

Allow to cool, slice, and enjoy! This apple cake is soo good! It stays good on the counter for a day in an airtight container, and in the refrigerator for 5 days!

Expert Baking Tips

Here are a few expert baking tips from my kitchen to yours

• Use a gram scale. I cannot emphasize this enough! It is the most accurate way of measuring your ingredients in the kitchen. This is one of my favourites.
• Use tart apples. They compliment so well with the sweetness!
• Do not over-mix! A big reason cakes don’t rise or turn out tough is because the batter is over-mixed. Once you see no flour streaks, stop mixing.
• Use fresh, not frozen. Make sure to use fresh apples!
• To make ahead of time: Bake, cool, slice, and store in an airtight container or wrap in foil/saran wrap.

FAQ

Can I use sweetened applesauce?

Yes, your cake will just be a bit sweeter! If you do use sweetened applesauce, please use tart apples to compliment the sweet and sour.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, bake it in a 9×13 pan and increase the baking time by checking in on it after the 35 minute mark. It should take anywhere from 40-50 minutes to bake.

Do I have to add applesauce?

If you don’t want to add applesauce, you can replace it with room temperature yogurt, buttermilk, or kefir.

Can I bake this in an 8×8 pan?

Yes, but the cake will be taller.

Can I add oats?

Check out Applesauce Oatmeal Breakfast Cake.

Check out more applesauce recipes

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