If you’re looking for an everyday apple cake recipe, this cozy, cinnamon-spiced cake is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of fresh apple and warm spices, this moist cake comes together with simple pantry staples and requires no special equipment. It’s the perfect way to use up extra apples, and it fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon as it bakes.

Unlike more delicate cakes, this apple cake is hearty and rustic, with a dense, moist crumb studded with soft apple pieces in every bite. It’s a wonderful everyday dessert, breakfast treat, or afternoon snack that only gets better as it sits.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake Recipe
- Loaded with fresh apples in every bite
- Warm cinnamon spice for cozy, comforting flavor
- Moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days
- Simple, one-bowl method with no mixer required
- Great for breakfast, snacking, or dessert
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings | 10 slices |
| Calories | 290 kcal per slice |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Course | Dessert / Breakfast |
Ingredients
For the Apple Cake
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan, or a bundt pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be thick.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. If using, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm. Slice and enjoy.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape well during baking.
- Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added, to keep the cake tender.
- This cake tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to settle.
Storage Instructions
Store the apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to peel the apples? Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for a more rustic cake.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this cake? Yes, ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins makes a delicious addition to the batter.
Can I make this cake in a loaf pan? Yes, divide the batter between two 9×5-inch loaf pans and reduce the baking time to about 40–45 minutes.
This everyday apple cake recipe is a cozy, no-fuss dessert that turns simple ingredients into a moist, spiced treat everyone will love.
Everyday Apple Cake Recipe
Course: Basic And Evreyday Cakes10
servings20
minutes50
minutes290
kcal1
hour10
minutesIf you’re looking for an everyday apple cake recipe, this cozy, cinnamon-spiced cake is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of fresh apple and warm spices, this moist cake comes together with simple pantry staples and requires no special equipment. It’s the perfect way to use up extra apples, and it fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon as it bakes.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Optional)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan, or a bundt pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be thick.
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. If using, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm. Slice and enjoy.