There’s something about an apple cake that feels like a warm hug on a cool afternoon. I remember the first time I sliced into this apple cake with fresh apples — the way the cinnamon-scented air filled the room was enough to pause everything else. Somewhere between the gentle sweetness and the tender crumb, I caught myself sneaking another bite before it even cooled completely. It’s not one of those fancy cakes that needs perfect presentation; it’s a bit rustic, slightly uneven on the edges, and that’s part of its charm. You can almost hear the soft crunch of the apples with each forkful, and that mix of cozy spice and fresh fruit makes it impossible to stop at just one slice.
This cake is the kind of recipe that turns a simple afternoon into a small celebration. It’s the treat you reach for when the day is dragging, or when you want to impress without stress. I usually keep a slice ready for those moments when I need something comforting but not too heavy, and honestly, it’s been a little ritual around here.
- Moist texture with fresh apple chunks that keep every bite interesting.
- The cinnamon and nutmeg blend adds warmth without overpowering.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just satisfying flavors.
- Great for any time of day, but especially when you want a cozy pick-me-up.
If you’re worried about it being too sweet or heavy, it actually strikes a nice balance. The sour cream adds just enough richness to keep it tender without feeling dense, so it doesn’t leave you too full. I found it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to push it into dessert territory.
PrintApple Cake with Fresh Apples
A moist and flavorful apple cake made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a tender crumb. Perfect for dessert or a cozy afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
Add the sour cream and mix until incorporated.
Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in the diced fresh apples gently until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
For this apple cake, I usually use a simple round pan — nothing fancy — and it turns out just right. If you want to experiment, I guess you could try a loaf pan, but I haven’t tested that fully, so results might vary. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins for a little twist, but honestly, it’s perfect as is. Serving it slightly warm is my favorite way, especially if you have a bit of butter or cream on the side.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen apples? I haven’t tried it, but fresh really makes a difference in texture and flavor here.
How long does it keep? It stays good for a couple of days at room temperature and can be refrigerated if you want it to last longer.
Is it gluten-free? This recipe isn’t, but you could try substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend, though I can’t promise the texture will be exactly the same.
Ready to bring some comfort to your kitchen? Give this apple cake a try and see how a simple slice can brighten your day.