Description

This easy homemade vintage apple cake is packed with tender apples, warm spices, and a buttery crumb. It’s a nostalgic autumn dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk
3 medium apples (about 2 cups diced, peeled and cored)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping, optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Peel, core, and dice 3 medium apples (about 2 cups). Toss with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Stir gently after each addition, just until combined.
Fold in diced apples until evenly distributed.
Spread batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and cinnamon.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Toss apples with flour before folding in to prevent sinking. The cake can be made dairy-free or vegan with simple swaps. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a crunchy crust.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/10 of cake
Calories: 230
Sugar: 19
Sodium: 180
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 3

Keywords: apple cake, autumn dessert, vintage cake, easy apple cake, homemade cake, cinnamon apple cake, fall baking, comfort food