Easy & Moist Apple Cake Recipe

Introduction

Imagine the inviting aroma of warm spices filling every corner of your home. This easy apple cake recipe delivers pure comfort and joy in every tender slice. Enjoy a beautifully moist crumb bursting with generous, juicy apple chunks and perfectly balanced fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger. It’s the ideal homemade treat, simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for any gathering. Get ready to bake a truly unforgettable fall dessert that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cake

• Achieve a tender, moist texture effortlessly, perfect even if you’re new to baking from scratch.
• Enjoy generous, juicy apple chunks in every single bite, adding incredible flavor and texture.
• Savor perfectly balanced fall spices that create a warm, comforting, and nostalgic flavor profile.
• Bake this delicious apple cake easily without needing a stand mixer, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
• Skip fussy decorating; serve this beautiful cake simply dusted with powdered sugar or with our rich brown sugar glaze.
• It’s adaptable as a dairy-free option by using plant-based milk in the glaze, catering to various dietary needs.
• This amazing baked treat is perfect for any cozy gathering, holiday event, or simply a sweet moment at home.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cake

• 2 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon EACH ground ginger & allspice
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 cup (240g) unsweetened applesauce
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) orange juice
• 3 cups (360g) peeled chopped apples (1/2-inch chunks, about 2–3 large apples)

For the Brown Sugar Glaze (Optional)

• 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• Small pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners sugar, sifted

Notes & Substitutions

For a moist apple cake, applesauce is key. Substitute half with pumpkin puree if desired. Vegetable oil keeps this apple cake recipe moist; canola, avocado, or refined coconut oil are suitable. Do not use melted butter for oil. Orange juice can be swapped with apple juice, cider, or milk. Always use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results. Softer varieties turn mushy in the baked cake.

For ideal texture, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas offers a guide on the best apples for baking that maintain their shape and flavor.

Equipment

Gather your essential baking tools for this delightful apple cake. You will need a standard 9×13-inch baking pan, two large mixing bowls, a sturdy whisk, and a rubber spatula. A wire cooling rack is also essential for allowing your finished cake to cool evenly. These simple items make baking this spiced fruit treat straightforward and enjoyable.

Instructions

Make the Apple Cake

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with baking spray or butter and flour. This essential step ensures your delicious apple cake releases cleanly from the pan without any hassle.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and set this bowl aside for later.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, large eggs, pure vanilla extract, and orange juice. Whisk until all these wet ingredients are smoothly integrated into a uniform mixture.
4. Combine Wet into Dry. Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough, less tender cake.
5. Fold in Chopped Apples. Gently fold in the peeled, chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. It may seem like a generous amount of apples, but this guarantees a wonderfully fruity and moist apple cake in every slice.
6. Pour Batter into Pan. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased 9×13-inch pan. Spread it out with a rubber spatula to ensure an even layer across the bottom.
7. Bake the Cake. Bake for 45–50 minutes. Baking times can vary by oven, so keep a close eye on your cake’s progress. Around the 30-minute mark, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil. This prevents the top of your apple cake from over-browning while the center finishes baking perfectly. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool on Wire Rack. Remove the baked apple cake from the oven and immediately place the hot pan on a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before you consider adding any topping or serving it.

Make the Brown Sugar Glaze (Optional)

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients. As the cake begins to cool, prepare the rich brown sugar glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, heavy cream, and a small pinch of salt.
2. Melt and Boil. Stir constantly until the butter has completely melted and everything is combined. Stop stirring and let the mixture come to a rapid boil. Allow it to boil for exactly 1 minute without interruption.
3. Simmer. Turn the heat down to low, give the mixture a quick stir, and let it simmer for another 1 minute.
4. Whisk in Confectioners’ Sugar. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar until the glaze becomes smooth and perfectly uniform.
5. Cool and Thicken. Allow the glaze to cool and thicken slightly for at least 20 minutes before using. Spoon the prepared glaze generously over the apple cake right before serving. The cake can still be warm when glazed for a delightful experience.
6. Warm if Too Thick. If your glaze thickens too much as it cools, simply warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds and stir until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency, ready for drizzling.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For the most tender and flavorful apple cake, always use room temperature eggs and applesauce. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize, leading to a denser, less desirable texture. Select firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, chopping them into consistent 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking and a lovely bite throughout the cake. If the cake top starts browning too quickly during baking, loosely tent it with aluminum foil to protect it from over-browning. To prevent a soggy cake, avoid overmixing the batter, which develops gluten, and ensure your apples are not excessively wet before incorporating them. A sticky cake top often indicates the cake is slightly underbaked; a toothpick inserted into the center should always come out clean.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This delightful apple cake can be served wonderfully warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion. For a simple touch, dust it lightly with powdered sugar. The rich brown sugar glaze is another fantastic option, adding an extra layer of sweet indulgence. You can also drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with a dollop of homemade apple butter for even more flavor. Cover leftovers and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you dusted with powdered sugar, note that it will melt into the cake over time. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying. While this recipe is tailored for a 9×13 pan, you can adapt it. For a layer cake, double the recipe and bake in two 9-inch round pans. For Bundt cakes or cupcakes, please refer to our dedicated recipes for precise instructions and adjusted baking times.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information for this delicious apple cake is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size provided. It may vary depending on specific brands, any ingredient substitutions made, and precise preparation methods. This information is purely for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional nutritional or medical advice. We always recommend consulting a qualified health professional for personalized dietary guidance tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I substitute applesauce in this recipe? Yes, you can substitute half the applesauce with pure pumpkin puree for a slightly different flavor profile. We recommend keeping at least half the applesauce for the best moisture and texture in your apple cake.
• What if I don’t have orange juice? Apple juice, apple cider, or even regular milk are all excellent substitutes for orange juice in this recipe. They will still provide the necessary liquid without compromising the cake’s overall delightful taste.
• Should I use shredded or chopped apples? Chopped 1/2-inch apple chunks are definitely best for this particular recipe. Shredded apples release too much moisture during baking and can make the finished cake soggy.
• How can I prevent the cake from being soggy? Avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough texture. Additionally, ensure your chopped apples are not excessively wet before incorporating them into the batter. Using firm apple varieties also helps maintain a desirable texture.
• Can this recipe be made into cupcakes or a Bundt cake? This recipe is specifically designed for a 9×13-inch pan. For cupcakes or a Bundt cake, please refer to our dedicated recipes for those variations, as baking times and pan preparation differ for those forms of cake.

Conclusion

This easy and moist apple cake is truly a delight for any occasion, from cozy weeknights to special gatherings with loved ones. The perfect blend of tender apples and warm, aromatic spices creates an irresistible aroma and taste that perfectly captures the essence of homemade goodness. We know you will absolutely love baking and sharing this simple yet impressive apple dessert. Give our fantastic apple cake a try soon and let us know what you think in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

Print Recipe

Easy & Moist Apple Cake Recipe

A delightful and easy-to-make apple cake, featuring a moist crumb and a delicious brown sugar glaze. Perfect for any occasion, it comes together with simple ingredients and steps.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time55 minutes mins

Total Time2 hours hrs

Servings: 12 slices

Author: The Bright Food

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• large bowl
• medium bowl
• whisk
• wire rack
• aluminum foil
• toothpick
• medium saucepan

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (313g, spooned & leveled)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1 cup vegetable oil (240ml)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100g, light or dark)
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (240g)
• 4 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons orange juice (30ml)
• 3 cups peeled chopped apples (360g, 1/2-inch chunks, about 2–3 large apples)

Brown Sugar Glaze

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 Tbsp; 56g)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (200g, light or dark)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
• small pinch salt
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar (60g, sifted)

Instructions

Cake Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice; then set the mixture aside.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined, then gently fold in the chopped apples.
• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, loosely tenting with aluminum foil around the 30-minute mark to prevent over-browning, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack, allowing it to cool for at least 30 minutes before topping or serving.

Glaze Preparation & Serving

• Right before serving, you can either dust the slightly warm cake with 2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners sugar or prepare the brown sugar glaze.
• To make the glaze, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a small pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat; stir constantly until the butter has melted, then let it come to a rapid boil for 1 minute without stirring.
• Reduce the heat to low, stir briefly, and let simmer for 1 minute; then remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar.
• Allow the glaze to cool and slightly thicken for at least 20 minutes before spooning it over the cake right before serving; if the glaze thickens too much, warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds and stir until smooth.
• The cake can be served warm or at room temperature; cover leftovers and store at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, noting that confectioners sugar dusting will disappear after a few hours.

Notes

Loosely tent the cake with aluminum foil around the 30-minute mark to prevent over-browning. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the glaze thickens up too much as it cools, warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds and stir until smooth. If dusting with confectioners sugar, note that the sugar will melt and disappear into the cake after a few hours. Cover leftovers and store at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.