Best Apple Cake

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This Best Apple Cake is everything you’d want from a cozy fall dessert—moist, warmly spiced, and absolutely packed with layers of tender apple slices. The crumb is rich and buttery, while the top gets that irresistible golden crust, especially when finished with a drizzle of homemade caramel. It’s rustic yet elegant, perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a weekend baking project.

What truly sets this apple cake apart is its texture and depth of flavor. The apples remain juicy while baked into a vanilla-scented batter, and each bite melts in your mouth with a balance of sweet and tart. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold with coffee the next morning, it’s guaranteed to impress.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

For a well-balanced apple cake, go with a mix of tart and sweet varieties. Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and provide a bright contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji bring the right sweetness and juiciness. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, which tend to break down and make the cake mushy.

Ingredients for the Best Apple Cake

Apples – The hero of this recipe. They provide moisture, sweetness, and texture. Use a mix of tart and sweet for best flavor.

All-purpose flour – Gives structure to the cake while keeping the crumb tender.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps caramelize the edges.

Brown sugar – Adds richness and depth with its molasses content.

Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and create a light, fluffy texture.

Butter – Offers unbeatable flavor and a tender crumb.

Baking powder & baking soda – Ensure the cake rises evenly.

Cinnamon & nutmeg – Bring that cozy spice profile we love with apples.

Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and aroma.

Salt – Balances the flavors and intensifies the sweet notes.

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How To Make the Best Apple Cake

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Toss them in a bit of cinnamon and sugar to bring out their flavor while resting.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients and gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Layer the Apples and Batter

Spoon half the batter into a greased springform pan. Layer half of the apples over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Once cooled slightly, drizzle with a homemade caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.

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Serving and Storing Apple Cake

Serve this apple cake warm for maximum coziness, especially with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also tastes fantastic at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

What to Serve With Apple Cake?

Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic pairing. The creamy coldness cuts through the warm, spiced cake perfectly.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle on top for extra indulgence.

Chai Tea Latte

The spices complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cake.

Cheddar Cheese

Try a thin slice of sharp cheddar alongside—a nod to the traditional New England combo.

Greek Yogurt

Add a scoop for a protein-rich, tangy contrast.

Maple Whipped Cream

Fluffy and subtly sweet, this topping screams fall.

Roasted Pecans

Sprinkle a handful for crunch and buttery flavor.

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Want More Cake Ideas with a Cozy Twist?

If you love this Best Apple Cake, you’ll definitely enjoy these comfort-packed options too:

• Lemon Cake to Die For for a zesty citrus contrast.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Bundt Cake bursting with berry goodness.
• Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake if you’re craving rich decadence.
• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls for more apple + caramel magic.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake combining two desserts in one!

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or a crumble topping? Did you try it with cheddar or stick with classic ice cream?

I love seeing your takes on these recipes! Questions are welcome too—we’re all here to bake better together.

Explore more beautifully curated comfort desserts on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and find your next go-to treat!

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