Apple season is here, and I love baking with fresh apples. There’s nothing quite like the smell of apples and spices filling your kitchen when you bake.
Today, I’m sharing two easy apple cake recipes that you can make at home. Both are simple to prepare and taste wonderful, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Jump to Recipe:
Apple Cider Cake Recipe: Sweet Baking
This cake uses real apple cider for a comforting, warm flavor. It’s a moist and tender cake perfect for autumn days.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cider Reduction: Boil down apple cider to concentrate its flavor. This makes the cake taste more like apples.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg really make this cake shine. Don’t skip them for the best flavor.
What You Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
⏱️ Time: Prep 20 min, Bake 40 min🍽️ Yields: 8 slices
How to Make It
Step 1: Get Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything together well.
Step 3: Make Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the reduced apple cider and mix until just combined.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
📝 Final Note
Let the cake cool completely before slicing. It tastes great with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Easy Apple Upside Down Cake
This cake features beautiful caramelized apple slices baked right on top. When you flip it out, you get a stunning, sweet apple topping that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Apple Slices: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so they hold their shape. Slice them evenly for a nice look.
- Brown Sugar Base: Don’t skip the butter and brown sugar layer. This creates the sweet, sticky caramel that makes the cake special.
What You Need
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2-3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
⏱️ Time: Prep 25 min, Bake 45 min🍽️ Yields: 8-10 slices
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare Pan and Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into a 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter. Arrange the apple slices in a pretty pattern over the brown sugar.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and egg until light. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Finish and Bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter carefully over the apple slices in the pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Flip and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, place a serving plate over the pan and carefully flip the cake onto the plate. Remove the pan. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
📝 Final Note
If any apple slices stick to the pan when you flip it, just carefully place them back onto the cake. It will still look lovely and taste amazing.