This scrumptious apple cake is easy to make and loaded with fresh apples. The crumb is soft and moist and the cake is topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar topping.

Why this apple cake recipe is so great:

  • Easy recipe – Simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, combine, fold in the apples, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake. No mixer is required. It’s all made by hand and in just two bowls. It’s that easy!
  • So many apples – Every bite of the cake is filled with chunks of tender baked apples surrounded by a soft and perfectly spiced cake.
  • Even better the next day! – The natural juices from the apples soften the cake, making it even more moist and flavorful the next day.

A slice of apple cake being lifted out of a glass cake pan.

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • all-purpose flour
  • baking powder & salt
  • brown sugar & granulated sugar
  • ground cinnamon & vanilla extract
  • vegetable or canola oil
  • sour cream or plain yogurt
  • eggs & milk
  • apples

How to make apple cake:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

  1. In a medium bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugars, oil, sour cream or yogurt, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
  3. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Then fold in the apples.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Top with cinnamon sugar. Bake at 350F for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

photo collage of how to make apple cake with cinnamon sugar topping

FAQ:

My top picks are Royal Gala, Granny Smith, and Ambrosia. They all have great flavor profiles and hold their shape.

You can, but it’s not ideal because apple cake can get soggy from thawing. It will taste fine, but the texture will be different.

How to serve:

This cake can be served as is or with a dollop of whipped cream. However, it’s best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

A slice of apple cake topped with melty vanilla ice cream

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Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.

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Easy Fresh Apple Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16-20
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This scrumptious apple cake is easy to make and loaded with fresh apples. The crumb is soft and moist and the cake is topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar topping.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (200g) lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk 
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups apples peeled, cored, and diced

Topping

  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, sour cream or yogurt, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
  4. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Then fold in the apples.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly on top of the cake.
  6. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

Leftovers can be tightly covered with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.