Few desserts are as comforting as a slice of homemade apple cake. Moist, tender, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples, this cake is the perfect treat for cozy afternoons, fall gatherings, or simply when you want to enjoy a classic homemade dessert. With its rich aroma and soft crumb, this apple cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and tastes just as good served plain as it does with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

• Optional: powdered sugar or caramel sauce for topping

How to Make Homemade Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add the Apples

Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve

Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or enjoy it plain. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor.

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.

• If you love spice, add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.

• This cake stores well covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake

Homemade apple cake is rustic, comforting, and filled with flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether served at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a simple treat on a quiet day, this apple cake is guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking collection.