There’s something about the moment when the afternoon drags on, and you find yourself staring out the window, wishing for a little burst of comfort. That’s when this apple cake with fresh apples feels like a quiet rescue. It’s not just about sweetness; it’s the way the aroma of cinnamon and apples fills your kitchen, wrapping around you like a soft scarf. I usually get distracted halfway through mixing because the scent pulls me in, and sometimes I forget to set the timer right away — oops, but somehow it always comes out just right.
That first bite is an invitation to slow down, a tender crumb giving way to the juicy bits of apple that still hold their shape. It’s not overly complicated — and that’s kind of the point. It’s the kind of dessert or snack that’s approachable yet feels special enough to share with a friend who drops by unexpectedly or to savor while curled up with a book.
- Moist texture with fresh apples that bring a lively, natural sweetness.
- Warm cinnamon notes that evoke cozy afternoons by the window.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just comfort in cake form.
- Versatile enough to serve as dessert or a satisfying snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Don’t worry if your apples aren’t perfectly uniform or if the batter looks a little lumpy — that’s part of the charm. The cake still bakes up beautifully, offering a rustic feel that’s homemade and honest.
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 snack.
- 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 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 chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
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, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
Add the sour cream and mix until incorporated.
Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped fresh apples gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 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.
Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need fancy equipment to make this come together — a basic mixer or even a sturdy whisk will do. When serving, I like to slice it up and pair it with a little dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if I’m feeling indulgent. For variations, sometimes I’ve tossed in chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch, or swapped sour cream for yogurt to lighten the texture. A sprinkle of nutmeg along with the cinnamon adds a subtle twist, though I haven’t tested them all at once, so play around and see what you like.
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of apple? Absolutely. Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well, but softer apples might make the cake a bit denser.
How should I store leftover cake? It keeps nicely in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, refrigeration or freezing works fine — just bring it back to room temp before enjoying.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners? Definitely. It’s forgiving and perfect if you’re just getting comfortable in the kitchen.
When that familiar craving for something cozy and sweet sneaks up, this apple cake with fresh apples is waiting to brighten your day. Go ahead, bake it, and see how a simple cake can feel like a warm hug.