There’s something about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking that immediately pulls you into a moment of warmth. I remember one afternoon when I tried this apple cake slice recipe for the first time. The kitchen was filled with this cozy aroma that made it impossible not to sneak a slice before it fully cooled. The crumb was tender, almost melting in my mouth, with little bursts of juicy apple tucked inside. I was juggling a few things that day and almost forgot to check the oven on time — thankfully, it turned out just right, even if a bit more golden on one edge than the other. Sometimes those little imperfections make it feel like a slice made just for you.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Moist and tender crumb that stays soft, making it easy to enjoy with tea or coffee.
- Fresh apples add natural sweetness and texture, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by sugar.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point—no complicated steps or fancy ingredients, just honest comfort food.
- Perfect size for sharing or saving a slice for later, though it might just disappear fast.
If you’re a little wary of baking from scratch, this one’s forgiving enough to try even if you’re not super experienced. Plus, it’s a nice way to bring fresh fruit into your day without fuss. I usually keep a small stash in the fridge, just in case that unexpected craving hits.
PrintApple Cake Slice
A moist and flavorful apple cake slice made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a tender crumb. Perfect for a snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
Ingredients
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 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 apples gently until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into 12 pieces.
Kitchen Notes:
Using a simple square pan works just fine—you don’t need anything fancy to get this right. Once baked, it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey if you want to dress it up a little. I sometimes swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt, but I haven’t tested how that changes the texture exactly. Also, tossing in a handful of chopped nuts or raisins could add a nice twist, but honestly, the pure apple and cinnamon combo is what makes it special here. If you want to make it more portable, cutting it into smaller bars works well for on-the-go snacking.
FAQ:
Can I use other types of apples? Yes, but keep in mind that sweeter apples will make the cake more sugary, while tart ones add a nice tang.
How long does it keep fresh? It’s best eaten within a couple of days at room temperature, though refrigerating can extend its life a bit.
Can I freeze the cake slices? Absolutely. Wrap them well and thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick treat later.
Give this apple cake slice a try next time you want a cozy bite that feels like a little moment of calm. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your day a little sweeter.