This simple apple cake recipe for fall combines fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and pantry staples for a dessert that’s super easy to make.
Old-fashioned country apple cake is a humble, comforting dessert that’s just as welcome with a morning cup of coffee as it is after dinner.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase, this site may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
There’s something comforting about an old-fashioned apple cake when apple season arrives. Made with fresh apples and everyday pantry staples, this cake is simple to prepare yet delicious enough to share with family and friends.
The batter yields a tender crumb studded with soft, baked apple pieces. A sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top creates a lightly crisp finish that highlights the apple flavor rather than hiding it beneath heavy frostings or fillings.
This recipe works well for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a relaxed dessert after dinner. It’s easy to scale, forgiving of small substitutions, and stays moist for several days when covered, making it practical for busy schedules.
Autumn Apple Recipes:
- Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Apple Butter Muffins
- Easy Apple Hand Pies
- Baked Apple Fritters
- Easy Apple Cake Made with Pie Filling
- Country Apple Fritter Bread
Old-Fashioned Country Apple Cake
This country apple cake keeps the apples at the center, rather than masking them with lots of extra ingredients. It’s the kind of simple, reliable cake you might remember from a grandmother’s kitchen.
Diced fresh apples soften as the cake bakes, adding moisture and tender pockets of fruit throughout each slice. The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a subtle crunch and warm spice that complements the cake’s tender texture.
The recipe is flexible: use sour cream for a slightly richer texture or plain milk if that’s what you have. Different apple varieties work well, so use what’s in season or what you prefer.
How to Make an Easy Apple Cake
This cake is straightforward to make and uses common ingredients. Below are the ingredient list and step-by-step instructions to guide you to a moist, tender apple cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 apples, peeled and diced (about 1.5 cups)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
How to Make It
Find the full printable recipe and measurements in the Ingredients and Instructions sections below.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a deep-dish pie plate and set it aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs and dairy: Beat in the eggs, then add the milk or sour cream and vanilla extract. The batter may look slightly lumpy — that’s normal.
- Mix dry ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder and mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until they’re evenly distributed. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Top and bake: Combine 2 teaspoons sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: You can serve the cake warm, or let it cool completely before slicing. A scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel make a lovely serving option.
Notes and Adaptations
- This cake works for dessert or breakfast—serve plain or dress it up with ice cream and caramel sauce.
- Leftovers keep well when covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Substitute milk for sour cream if needed. Try tart apples like Granny Smith for contrast or sweeter varieties for a milder flavor.
- You can bake this in a 9-inch round cake pan or a deep pie plate; baking times should be similar, but check for doneness with a toothpick.
Recommended Equipment
- Electric stand mixer or an electric hand mixer
- 9-inch round cake pan or a deep-dish pie plate
- Mixing bowls and a rubber spatula
Country Apple Cake
This old-fashioned apple cake is made with fresh apples and a few pantry staples, so it’s easy to whip up any time apple cravings strike. It makes a delicious dessert or breakfast.
Servings & Time
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For Cake Batter
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 apples, peeled and diced (approx. 1.5 cups)
For Topping
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan or pie plate.
- Beat the sugar and softened butter together until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, milk (or sour cream), and vanilla extract. Mix until combined; some lumps are normal.
- Add flour and baking powder and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently so they disperse evenly through the batter. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm or cooled.
Notes
- Serve plain, or add a scoop of ice cream and a caramel drizzle to dress it up.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 329 kcal | Carbohydrates: 39 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 19 g | Sugar: 25 g
Nutrition info is automatically calculated and not guaranteed for accuracy.
Don’t forget to save this recipe to your desserts board on Pinterest!
