This delicious and easy-to-make Apple Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, though it’s perfect for any time of year! Packed with juicy apple chunks, warm spices, and a touch of crunch from toasted walnuts, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!
About This Apple Cake
This recipe is a celebration of everything we love about apples and baking. Each bite is a combination of tender cake, soft apple pieces, and just the right hint of cinnamon and nutmeg to make your kitchen smell heavenly. I wanted to create an apple cake recipe that wasn’t overly sweet, could be made in a single bowl, and delivered the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
After experimenting with a few variations, I landed on this version that includes optional whiskey for a subtle, sophisticated depth and espresso powder for a slight richness. Of course, you can skip these additions for a simpler take on this classic treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Apple Flavor: Made with fresh apple chunks, this cake is fruity and flavorful in every bite.
- Quick & Easy: No need for fancy equipment – just a whisk and a mixing bowl!
- Perfectly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds cozy, comforting warmth.
- Versatile: Serve it as a dessert, a snack, or even as a breakfast treat with your morning coffee.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores beautifully for a couple of days, making it ideal for meal prep or last-minute guests.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the tools needed to make this Apple Cake effortlessly. The best part? You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine your ingredients.
- Whisk: For blending the wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
- 9-Inch Round Cake Pan: To bake the cake evenly.
- Nonstick Spray or Butter: For greasing the pan to ensure easy release.
- Parchment Paper: To line the bottom of the pan, so nothing sticks.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding in apples and scraping the batter.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake evenly after baking.
- Offset Spatula (Optional): To smooth the top of the batter before baking.
With these essentials, you’re all set to bake a perfectly moist and flavorful apple cake!
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this Moist Apple Cake. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the cake’s flavor, texture, and overall deliciousness!
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs – Provides structure and helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed) – Keeps the cake soft and tender without overpowering the apple flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the natural sweetness and complements the spices.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Brings a warm, earthy spice to the cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Forms the foundation of the cake with the perfect crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise evenly and gives it a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works alongside the baking powder for the ideal lift.
- 2 small apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups) – The star of the recipe! Juicy and sweet, they make every bite delightful.
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped – Optional, but adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon whiskey (optional) – Adds a touch of sophistication to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional) – Enhances the richness of the cake without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make the Perfect Apple Cake
Let’s walk through the steps to create this incredibly moist and flavorful Apple Cake. With just a few simple techniques, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to enjoy!
- Prepare Your Pan: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Butter or coat a 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar and eggs until the mixture is pale and foamy, about 1 minute. Add the oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and, if using, whiskey and espresso powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Whisk gently until everything is well-combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
- Add Apples and Walnuts: Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chopped apples and 1/4 cup of the toasted walnuts. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to gently smooth the top, ensuring the apples are well-dispersed and reach the edges. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of walnuts evenly over the top.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the cake is puffed, golden, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. A bit of moisture on the tester from the apples is normal.
- Cool and Unmold: Set the pan on a cooling rack for about 15 minutes. Run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then carefully turn it out onto the cooling rack. Invert it again so the puffy side is facing up, if desired.
FAQ’s and Troubleshooting
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While this recipe works well with sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp, you can also use tart apples like Granny Smith for a contrast in flavor. Feel free to mix apple varieties for added depth.
2. Can I omit the walnuts?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of nuts or need to avoid them for dietary reasons, simply leave them out. The cake will still be moist and flavorful.
3. What if I don’t have whiskey or espresso powder?
Both whiskey and espresso powder are optional. They add subtle depth, but the cake is equally delicious without them.
4. Why is my cake dense?
A dense cake could be the result of overmixing the batter or not measuring the flour correctly. Be sure to gently fold in the ingredients and spoon your flour into the measuring cup before leveling it off to avoid packing it down.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stays fresh for 1–2 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator, making it perfect for prepping in advance.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: If you want to extend its shelf life, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake (whole or as individual slices) wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
This Apple Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served as-is or with a few extra touches:
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a classic, elegant finish.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: Take it over the top with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this cake is a surefire hit!
