This rustic Apple Pie Cake brings together the best of tender cake and juicy apple slices, delivering a delightful twist on a timeless dessert favorite. With each forkful, you’ll encounter the gentle sweetness of all-purpose flour baked with cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a moist texture that feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds. The gentle tang of lemon juice balances the sweetness, while a hint of vanilla adds depth and warmth. Whether you’re gathering for a casual Sunday brunch or craving an after-dinner treat, this cake’s comforting flavors make it perfect for any occasion. The subtle crunch from optional chopped walnuts or pecans on top provides that little surprise that keeps you coming back for more, bite after blissful bite.
Even if you’ve never baked a cake before, this beginner-friendly recipe guides you step by step, transforming simple pantry staples into something truly special. You’ll start by creaming softened butter and sugar until it’s cloud-like, then carefully folding in vibrant apple slices so they’re suspended evenly throughout the batter. As it bakes for about 45 minutes, your kitchen will fill with cinnamon-kissed warmth, signaling that tomorrow’s leftovers will be just as mouthwatering as today’s slice. With just 20 minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients, this Apple Pie Cake is proof that homemade desserts don’t have to be complicated to taste extraordinary.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE PIE CAKE
Every ingredient in this Apple Pie Cake plays an important role in creating its moist, flavorful profile. From the rich base of all-purpose flour to the bright pop of lemon juice, each component works together in harmony. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced dessert enthusiast, understanding what each ingredient brings to the table helps you appreciate the magic behind every slice.
- Apples: Thinly sliced and dusted with lemon juice, apples bring natural sweetness, moisture, and a tender bite. Their acidity balances the sugar and prevents browning.
- All-Purpose Flour: This staple forms the cake’s structure, providing a light crumb that holds the delicate apple pieces without turning dense.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps the butter cream to a light, fluffy consistency, which is essential for a soft, airy cake.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to a tender crumb. Creaming the butter with sugar incorporates air, giving the cake lift.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help to create a stable structure, while also enriching the cake for a velvety mouthfeel.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that ensures the cake rises evenly, producing a light and tender texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet flavors and adds aromatic notes that highlight the cinnamon and apples.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warm, spicy undertones that evoke the classic taste of apple pie.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Milk: Introduces moisture and helps achieve a smooth batter, ensuring the cake remains tender as it bakes.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor and prevents the apple slices from oxidizing.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): Offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top, adding texture contrast to the soft cake.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE PIE CAKE
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of transforming these simple ingredients into a heartwarming dessert. From preparing your pan to folding in those luscious apple slices, each stage is designed to be approachable yet produce a cake that rivals any bakery’s finest.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring the sides and bottom are coated to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice until each piece is lightly coated. This prevents browning and gives the apples a bright, zesty kick. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Once the eggs are fully mixed, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of aroma.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two additions. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until you see no streaks of flour.
7. Gently fold in the lemon-coated apple slices using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them up. This step preserves the apple’s shape and texture in the batter.
8. Pour the prepared batter into your greased cake pan, then use a spatula to smooth out the top for an even surface.
9. If you’d like a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly over the batter.
10. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set.
12. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE PIE CAKE
After all your baking efforts, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! This Apple Pie Cake is incredibly versatile, and knowing how to present it can elevate the experience even further. Whether you’re hosting afternoon tea or indulging in a midnight snack, these serving ideas will help you show off your creation with confidence and flair.
- Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: Warm up some store-bought or homemade caramel sauce and gently pour it in a delicate stream across each slice. The silky sweetness offers a delicious counterpoint to the spiced apples.
- Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve each generous slice with a dollop of high-quality vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold creaminess against the cake’s warmth is pure dessert magic.
- Whipped Cream with Cinnamon Dusting: Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, sweeten lightly with a teaspoon of sugar, and pipe a swirl on top of the cake. Finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon for an elegant touch.
- Fruit Compote Accompaniment: Simmer fresh or frozen berries with a splash of sugar and lemon juice until they release their juices. Spoon the vibrant compote over your cake for a pop of color and a tangy twist.
HOW TO STORE APPLE PIE CAKE
Keeping your Apple Pie Cake fresh for days is easier than you might think. Whether you’re planning for leftovers or want to prep ahead for a gathering, proper storage preserves the delightful textures and flavors. Follow these tips to make sure your cake stays moist, aromatic, and perfectly ready to eat whenever you crave a slice.
- Room Temperature in an Airtight Container: Once the cake has fully cooled, wrap it loosely in parchment paper and place it in a sealed cake carrier or airtight container. Stored this way, it will remain fresh for up to 3 days without losing moisture.
- Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: If you live in a warm or humid climate, store the cooled cake in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it fresh for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature or gently reheat before serving to restore its soft texture.
- Freezing Individual Slices: For longer storage, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place the portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen this way, the cake will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or bring to room temperature before warming briefly in the oven.
- Reviving with Gentle Heat: When you’re ready to enjoy refrigerated or frozen cake, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm each slice on a baking sheet for 5–10 minutes, just until heated through. This quick reheating helps restore that freshly baked taste and aroma.
CONCLUSION
What started as simple pantry staples has turned into a heartwarming Apple Pie Cake that’s destined to become a new family favorite. We’ve explored how the combination of tender cake batter, tart apples, and a symphony of warm spices creates an unforgettable dessert experience. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a dozen accessible ingredients, you can bake this beginner-friendly cake and fill your kitchen with seasonal charm. Whether you choose to serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with caramel sauce, or simply enjoy it warm from the oven, this recipe adapts to any setting—from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations.
Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed—feel free to print this article and save it for those moments when you need a cozy dessert fix. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions about substitutions, storage, or troubleshooting your cake. Have you tried this Apple Pie Cake yet? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment, share your experience, or ask any questions if you need help along the way. Enjoy every slice, and here’s to many more delightful baking adventures!

Apple Pie Cake
Description
With a moist texture and the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples, this cake is a delightful twist on traditional apple pie that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
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In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Gently fold in the apple slices, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
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If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note
- For a sweeter variation, try using a mix of different apple varieties.
- Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for an indulgent treat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This cake also pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of caramel sauce.