Easy Apple Pie Cake
Apple Pie Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the softness of a cake.
With its cinnamon-spiced batter and tender slices of apples, this cake is the perfect dessert for any season.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this easy apple pie cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
To make this easy apple pie cake, you will need:
3 cups of all-purpose flour
2 cups of granulated sugar
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
4 cups of peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a tender, flavorful cake that highlights the sweet and spicy flavors of apples and cinnamon.
The optional walnuts add an extra texture, but they can easily be omitted if preferred.
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat.
the butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add.
the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the thinly sliced apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, but be gentle to avoid breaking the apple slices.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
How to Make
Making this easy apple pie cake is simple and quick. Start by preparing your ingredients, ensuring.
the butter is softened to room temperature and the apples are peeled and sliced thinly. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they’ll distribute throughout the cake.
After mixing the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, then incorporate the vanilla.
This creates a smooth base for the cake, ensuring the texture will be moist and tender.
The dry ingredients are then mixed separately to avoid clumping when they are added to the wet ingredients.
Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, fold in the apples and walnuts gently, making sure to distribute them evenly in the batter.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, making sure the batter is spread evenly across the bottom.
Bake the cake until it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain the shape of the cake while it cools and avoids it becoming soggy.
Once the cake is fully cooled, it’s ready to be sliced and served. You can enjoy it as is or top it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, you can try different varieties of apples, such as Granny Smith for a tart.
contrast or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. You can even combine different types of apples for a more complex flavor.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients along with the cinnamon. These spices enhance the warmth and complexity of the cake.
If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can replace them with pecans, almonds, or even omit them altogether for a simpler cake. If you prefer a completely nut-free version, just leave them out.
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, and use a dairy-free egg replacer to make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
To make the cake even more indulgent, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top after baking. This adds a deliciously rich sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and drizzle it over the cooled cake. This gives the cake a nice finishing touch and makes it even more visually appealing.
Lastly, if you’re looking to make individual servings, consider turning this cake into muffins or cupcakes. Simply adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the muffin tin.
Tips
Make sure to use a sharp knife to slice the apples thinly. Thin apple slices will cook more evenly and distribute better throughout the cake.
To get the best texture, make sure the butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter will create the perfect consistency for the cake batter.
If you’re unsure about the doneness of the cake, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows the cake to set and reduces the risk of it falling apart when you try to remove it from the pan.
If you have extra apples, you can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the sliced apples before folding them into the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
For a lighter version of this cake, you can reduce the sugar slightly or substitute part of it with a sugar alternative like stevia.
Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert that everyone will love.
Conclusion
This easy apple pie cake is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s quick to make and can be enjoyed as a dessert or even a treat for breakfast with a cup of coffee.
The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and soft cake makes it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just enjoying a slice with a friend, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this apple pie cake will become your go-to dessert for any time of year.