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Apple Pie Cake Recipe: Easy Homemade Dessert with Warm Cinnamon Apples

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This Cozy Apple Pie Cake blends the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie with the simplicity of a soft, cinnamon-laced cake. Tender apples and warm spices make it a comforting dessert that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 3 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole, 2%, or almond milk)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar (optional topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or nonstick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2-inch chunks. Toss with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half the milk. Mix gently, then repeat with remaining dry mix and milk. Stir just until combined.
  7. Gently fold the apple mixture (with juices) into the batter using a spatula.
  8. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle optional topping of turbinado sugar mixed with cinnamon over the surface.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and transfer to a rack. Cool completely for clean slices, or serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Gluten-free and dairy-free swaps work well. Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for seasonal variation. Measure flour by weight for accuracy. Cake can be made ahead and freezes well.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie cake, easy apple dessert, cinnamon apples, homemade cake, fall baking, comfort food, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, apple cake, cozy dessert