Easy Apple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory in the making. Hi, I’m Amanda, and cooking has always been my way of creating comfort and connection. That’s why I started BeamRecipes, a space where food is approachable, joyful, and made for real life. From childhood afternoons baking with my mom to today’s busy family dinners, recipes like this Easy Apple Cake remind me that the best meals are often the simplest. Here, I share the tips, stories, and little secrets I’ve learned so you can feel confident in your kitchen too. Welcome to BeamRecipes.
Why This Recipe Works
A cake you can trust
This easy apple cake works because it’s made with pantry staples and fresh apples, no complicated steps or special tools.
Perfect texture every time
The apples bake into the batter, keeping it moist while a light crust forms on top.
Balanced sweetness
It’s sweet without being overwhelming, making it a dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Quick comfort
When life feels busy, this recipe offers that needed pause—warm, fragrant, and comforting in less than an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The essentials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
Optional swaps
- Swap brown sugar for half the white sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced twist.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Peel and dice the apples into small, even cubes. This helps them soften evenly in the cake.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for a tender cake.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in apples
Gently stir in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.
Why This Recipe Works in the Kitchen
Apples bring moisture
They keep the crumb tender and prevent the cake from drying out.
Cinnamon creates warmth
This spice adds depth and brings the apples to life.
Sour cream makes it rich
It adds tang and richness without heaviness.
Simple ratios keep balance
The butter-to-sugar-to-flour ratio ensures a light yet sturdy cake.
Bakes evenly in one pan
No need for layers or frosting—just slice and serve.
Variations and Adaptations
Add nuts
Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch.
Try pears
Swap apples for pears for a delicate variation.
Make it gluten-free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Turn into muffins
Bake in a muffin tin for grab-and-go portions.
Add a glaze
Drizzle with a simple vanilla or caramel glaze for extra sweetness.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Overmixing
Mix only until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough.
Uneven apple chunks
Cut apples small and evenly to avoid mushy or undercooked spots.
Skipping the sour cream
It’s key for texture; don’t omit it without a swap.
Baking too long
Check early—overbaking leads to dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different apples?
Yes, Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness both work well.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a softer texture, but you can leave skins on for a rustic look.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s gently sweet, balanced by the tartness of the apples.
Final Encouragement
This easy apple cake isn’t about perfection—it’s about comfort. It’s the kind of cake you bring to the table when you want to see smiles, when you need something warm and familiar. Bake it when life feels too fast, and let the aroma fill your home with a little piece of happiness.
Easy Apple Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Apples
- 2 medium apples peeled and diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Peel and dice apples into small cubes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and sour cream, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in diced apples gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, with powdered sugar if desired.