Apple Pie Cake Recipe

If you love the comforting warmth of apple pie but are craving something a little different, then the Apple Pie Cake Recipe is going to be your new favorite dessert obsession. This luscious cake combines tender, buttery cake layers with sweet cinnamon-spiced apple slices baked right inside, delivering all the classic flavors of apple pie in a moist and incredibly easy-to-make cake form. It’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly afternoon or impressing guests with a familiar yet delightfully fresh twist on a traditional favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this Apple Pie Cake Recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fluffy texture of the cake to the golden, spiced apples that bring it all together. Every ingredient is straightforward yet essential, making the preparation both fun and approachable.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and tenderness for the cake layers.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake its light and airy rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moistness to the cake.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the apples.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and helps with the cake’s fluffy texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, fragrant aroma.
• 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: The star of the recipe, these provide natural sweetness and a tender bite.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Brings out the cozy, classic apple pie spice that defines the flavor.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the apples.
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A light finishing touch for a pretty presentation.

How to Make Apple Pie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan so your apple pie cake will release beautifully once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will give your cake that ideal rise and crumb texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for trapping air, which helps your cake achieve a delicate crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they’re fully incorporated into the fluffy butter and sugar base. The egg serves as a binder and adds moisture while the vanilla brings a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your creamed batter, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake tender and soft.

Step 6: Prepare the Apples

In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar. This step ensures the apples have a beautiful, sweet-spiced coating that will infuse every bite with warm flavor.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Apples

Spread half of the cake batter into your prepared pan to create a smooth base. Then, layer half of the cinnamon-sugar coated apples evenly on top—this layering is where the magic truly begins!

Step 8: Add Remaining Batter and Apples

Pour the remaining batter over the first apple layer and gently smooth it out. Top with the remaining seasoned apple slices, which will bake down tenderly and peek through the top, creating a stunning effect.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This means your cake is perfectly cooked through but still moist and luscious.

Step 10: Cool and Remove from Pan

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set so it won’t break apart. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, perfect for serving at room temperature.

Step 11: Optional Finishing Touch

If you want to add an elegant presentation, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and looks absolutely gorgeous.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream make unbeatable companions to this Apple Pie Cake Recipe. You could also sprinkle toasted chopped nuts or drizzle caramel sauce to amp up the indulgence and add textural contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, enhancing the spiced apple notes. For a brunch twist, serve alongside creamy yogurt and fresh fruit for balance and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a dollop of mascarpone and a few thin apple slices fanned out on top for a café-style dessert. Or, layer the cake cubes in parfait glasses with cinnamon whipped cream for a beautiful and playful dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Pie Cake Recipe tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is better to keep the cake fresh and prevent the apples from spoiling.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for up to three months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 20 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10–15 minutes to bring back the cake’s fresh-baked softness, just like it came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the Apple Pie Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp bring more sweetness and juiciness. Just pick apples that hold their shape well when baked.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

This recipe can be adapted by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum to help maintain the cake’s texture.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?

Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch, and raisins bring an extra burst of sweetness. Fold them into the batter or sprinkle on top of the apple layers before baking.

What’s the best way to peel and slice apples quickly?

A good quality vegetable peeler makes peeling easy, and a sharp knife or an apple slicer helps create even slices. Uniform slices ensure even baking throughout the cake.

Can this cake be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. The recipe will still yield a deliciously moist and flavorful cake.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of comforting flavors wrapped in a tender cake that’s easy to make and impossible not to love. Whether you bake it for a family gathering or a casual treat, it’s sure to become a beloved staple. So go ahead, grab those apples and get baking—you’re going to adore every bite!

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