If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting desserts that bring the warmth of fall right into your kitchen, this Apple Pie Cake Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine the tender crumb of a moist cake infused with the classic spices and sweet-tart fragrance of fresh apples, all baked to golden perfection. This delightful treat captures everything you adore about an apple pie, but with a wonderfully soft, cakey twist that makes it easy to slice, share, and savor any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Apple Pie Cake Recipe is a breeze! Each component plays its part beautifully, from the flour that provides structure to the apples that bring juicy bursts of flavor. The spices add that quintessential apple pie warmth while the combination of butter and oil ensures your cake comes out tender and perfectly moist every time.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake’s tender crumb and structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the fruit’s tartness perfectly.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Offers a deep caramel note and moist texture.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Helps your cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that brings warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch that complements the apples.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness without overpowering the cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps every bite moist and tender.
- 3 large eggs: Binds everything together and adds a light lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with sweet, fragrant notes.
- 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 4 medium): Fresh apples are the star ingredient, bringing juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A pretty, sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your cake releases easily and bakes evenly. This simple prep makes all the difference in preventing sticking and getting a perfect crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients sets the stage for that irresistible apple pie flavor by evenly distributing the sweet spices and leavening agents throughout the cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The combination of butter and oil keeps the cake wonderfully moist, while eggs add structure and vanilla imparts a subtle sweetness that enhances the apples beautifully.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—this keeps the cake tender and fluffy rather than dense.
Step 5: Add Apples and Nuts
Fold in the chopped apples and nuts, if you’re using them. The apples will add juiciness and fresh texture, while the nuts contribute a lovely crunch that complements the soft cake perfectly.
Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Bake
Pour the completed batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That golden crust and spiced aroma will be sure signs your Apple Pie Cake Recipe is ready to come out of the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Then, cut your cake into squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Apple Pie Cake Recipe even more special, dust it lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. For a bit of indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—both will melt deliciously over the warm cake and add a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or fresh-brewed tea, making it an ideal treat for afternoon gatherings. For a heartier dessert experience, serve alongside a warm caramel sauce or spiced custard that echoes the apple pie spices beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by layering slices between two forks for an irresistible picnic treat or cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for a festive dessert buffet. For brunch, serve alongside a crisp apple salad or a cinnamon-infused yogurt for a bright balance to the cake’s richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Pie Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate leftovers to keep the cake fresh. This way, you’ll have a delicious snack ready whenever you want a cozy bite of apple spice goodness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this apple delight at a later time, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen for up to three months, your Apple Pie Cake will thaw beautifully without losing its moist texture.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. Add a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to bring renewed life and extra indulgence to your reheated Apple Pie Cake Recipe treat.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples offer a tart bite, while Fuji or Honeycrisp provide sweeter, juicier flavors. Mixing varieties can add wonderful complexity to your Apple Pie Cake Recipe.
Is it necessary to use both butter and oil in the recipe?
Yes, the combination ensures the cake stays moist without being greasy. Butter adds richness and flavor, while oil helps maintain softness and a tender crumb.
Can I omit the nuts?
Definitely. Nuts are entirely optional and can be left out if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free dessert. The cake will still be flavorful and moist without them.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Apple Pie Cake Recipe is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dessert that feels both familiar and a little unexpected, and this Apple Pie Cake Recipe does just that. It’s a wonderfully comforting way to bring apple pie vibes into your kitchen with ease and a smile. I can’t wait for you to bake this cake, share it with the people you love, and savor each bite of that perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and tender cake. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Apple Pie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 5m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Pie Cake combines the warm, spiced flavors of a traditional apple pie with the soft, moist texture of a cake. Made with a blend of all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and plenty of fresh apples, this dessert is perfectly sweet and comforting. The addition of nuts adds a delightful crunch, while a dusting of powdered sugar provides a beautiful finishing touch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to thoroughly blend all the dry ingredients.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is homogeneous and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Add apples and nuts: Fold in the chopped apples and optional nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring every bite has a nice balance of flavors and textures.
- Pour batter into pan: Pour the assembled batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack to stop the cooking process and set the texture.
- Optional dusting: Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish.
- Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve as a delightful dessert or snack.
Notes
- Using freshly peeled and chopped apples ensures the best texture and flavor.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
