The sweet scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through my kitchen, instantly wrapping me in a cozy embrace as I prepare my favorite Apple Pie Cake. This delightful dessert is a wonderful marriage of moist cake and tender, spiced apples, making it a perfect addition to any fall gathering or family dinner. What I love most about this easy cake recipe is that it takes only 20 minutes of prep time and bakes to golden perfection in just 45 minutes. Not only is it beginner-friendly, but it’s also a comforting treat that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Are you ready to create a warm slice of autumn bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive in!
Why is this Apple Pie Cake a must-try?
Ease of Preparation: This recipe is designed for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned chefs, taking just 20 minutes to prep.
Warm, Aromatic Flavors: The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender apples creates a cozy atmosphere as it bakes, evoking the essence of fall.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or paired with a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Leftover Goodness: Storing it is a breeze! It lasts up to three days, making it an excellent dessert to savor throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This Apple Pie Cake is sure to impress friends and family, easily becoming the star of your fall dessert spread. If you’re looking for more cozy recipes, check out Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli for a refreshing salad or indulge in Salted Caramel Apple bars to complement your gathering.
Apple Pie Cake Ingredients
• Get ready to bake this cozy treat!
For the Cake Batter
- All-purpose flour – Provides the foundational structure of the cake; gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated sugar – Adds straightforward sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Brown sugar – Brings a deeper, caramel-like flavor, enhancing the overall taste and moisture of the cake.
- Baking powder – Acts as the leavening agent to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and amplifies the flavors in your Apple Pie Cake.
- Ground cinnamon – Infuses classic fall spice notes that complement the tender apples beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg – Adds an aromatic hint of spice for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Contributes richness and a tender crumb; can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Vegetable oil – Helps retain moisture, creating a soft and pleasing cake texture.
- Large eggs – Bind the ingredients together while enriching the cake.
- Vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor profile; almond extract could be used for a delightful twist.
For the Apples
- Peeled and chopped apples – The star ingredient; recommended to use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – Provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake, making every bite delightful.
- Powdered sugar – For dusting, adding a sweet, decorative finish to the presentation before serving.
Now that you have all the ingredients lined up, are you ready to create this warm slice of apple goodness? Let’s get baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Pie Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your Apple Pie Cake releases easily once baked. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed and aerated, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed, which will enhance your cake’s flavor profile.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, add in the vegetable oil, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture until it’s smooth and uniform. The richness from the butter and eggs will help create a tender crumb in your Apple Pie Cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This ensures that your cake remains light and fluffy; any lumps are perfectly fine, as they will bake out.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Now, fold in the peeled and chopped apples, along with any optional chopped walnuts or pecans. Gently mix until the apple pieces are evenly coated with the batter, ensuring every slice of your Apple Pie Cake is bursting with delightful apple goodness.
Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with the spatula. Smooth the top gently to create an even surface, which will help your cake rise nicely in the oven and bake evenly throughout.
Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and set the timer for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on your Apple Pie Cake—it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the cake to set, making it easier to cut into squares without falling apart.
Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar
After it has cooled slightly, dust the top of your Apple Pie Cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet finish. This adds a touch of elegance and makes it visually enticing when served to friends and family.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Cake
Indulging in a slice of warm Apple Pie Cake is only the beginning; let’s create a delightful meal experience together!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor of vanilla ice cream perfectly complement the warm spices and tender apples in the cake.
- Hot Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of hot caramel adds a lavish sweetness, making each bite of Apple Pie Cake decadently delicious.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream enhances the cake’s moistness, offering a lovely contrast to its warm, spiced flavors.
- Spiced Cider: A cup of warm spiced cider brings out the fall vibes and beautifully echoes the cinnamon notes in your cake.
- Chopped Pecans: Adding chopped pecans as a topping introduces a crunchy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the soft cake texture.
- Fresh Apple Slices: Slices of crisp apples add freshness to your dessert table and echo the apple goodness in the cake.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea will elevate the experience, offering a comforting beverage to enjoy alongside each sweet bite.
- Nutty Granola: A small scoop of nutty granola brings crunch and a delightful texture that complements the soft, moist cake.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on your serving plate adds a little extra flair that ties the whole dessert together.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Pie Cake slices are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a little easier! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and keeping them stored in an airtight container, while the wet ingredients can be whisked together and refrigerated overnight. Just remember to fold in the apples right before transferring the batter to the baking pan to maintain their freshness. When ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and pour the batter into the pan—voilà, delicious and homemade dessert with minimal effort! Any leftover cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for later enjoyment.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie Cake
Room Temperature: Store your Apple Pie Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, the cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To warm, simply thaw the Apple Pie Cake in the fridge overnight and reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Cake
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Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor balance in your Apple Pie Cake.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to retain a light and fluffy texture—lumps are okay; they will bake out!
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Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for the perfect bake.
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Cool Before Cutting: Let your cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to prevent it from breaking when you slice it.
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Customize with Nuts: Feel free to add different nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch that complements the cake beautifully.
Apple Pie Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful treat and make it your own!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a delicious gluten-free option.
You’ll still capture the comforting fall flavors without sacrificing taste or texture—the perfect solution for gluten-sensitive friends! -
Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a dairy-free milk option in place of any liquid.
This variation ensures everyone can enjoy the warm, spiced goodness of this cake without dairy, making it inclusive and delightful. -
Nut Variation: Swap walnuts or pecans for almonds or macadamia nuts to change up the texture and flavor.
Each nut brings a unique profile that enhances the overall texture and crunch, making each bite exciting and different. -
Spice it Up: Incorporate additional spices like ground ginger or cloves for a more complex flavor.
This twist on your classic Apple Pie Cake elevates it to new heights, giving your taste buds an extra layer of warmth and delight. -
Fruit Additions: Mix in other fruits like cranberries or even pears for a delicious combination of flavors.
These additions create a fruity medley that makes your cake even more festive for fall gatherings or holiday treats. -
Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg).
Using plant-based oil or vegan butter will give you a truly comforting vegan treat that everyone will enjoy!
For those sweet cravings beyond this cake, why not try making Apple Brownies Chewy or indulge in a luscious Apple Cider Cheesecake that adds a different twist to your dessert table!
Apple Pie Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right apples for this cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor balance in your Apple Pie Cake, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith apples provide a crisp tartness, while Honeycrisp apples add a sweet juiciness. Combining them gives depth and complexity to the cake, making each bite a delightful experience.
How should I store my Apple Pie Cake?
You can store your Apple Pie Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days to maintain freshness, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Apple Pie Cake?
Yes! To freeze your cake, first cool it completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
If your Apple Pie Cake comes out dry, it might be due to overmixing or baking too long. To avoid this in future bakes, mix until just combined—lumps are normal! Additionally, use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If you realize your cake is dry after baking, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream can add moisture and richness!
Are there any allergies I should be mindful of when making this cake?
Yes, when preparing this recipe, be aware of common allergens. The cake contains gluten from all-purpose flour, and dairy from butter and eggs. For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free flour. If you have a nut allergy, feel free to omit the optional walnuts or pecans, and use a nut-free oil for added safety.
Can I customize this recipe with different flavors?
Very! There are endless ways to personalize your Apple Pie Cake. You can add spices like ginger or cloves for an extra depth of flavor, or mix in different nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts for a unique crunch. Additionally, a splash of almond extract can give an exciting twist to the vanilla flavor. The more the merrier when it comes to experimenting!
Apple Pie Cake - The Ultimate Cozy Fall Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, melt butter and then add vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and optional nuts until evenly coated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
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