There’s something uniquely comforting about sinking your teeth into a dessert that bridges two beloved classics: apple pie and cake. Apple Pie Cake marries the tender, moist crumb of a homemade cake with the spiced apple filling of an all-time favorite pie. Every slice unveils juicy apple pieces nestling in a cinnamon-kissed batter, highlighted by warm notes of nutmeg and cloves. As the cake bakes, the kitchen slowly fills with a cozy scent that dances around the room, drawing in family members and curious neighbors alike. You won’t need any pie-crust skills here—just straightforward mixing, simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and about an hour of your time in the kitchen. Whether you’re dreaming of crisp fall afternoons or chasing memories of grandmother’s holiday gatherings, this cake instantly transports you to those fond moments when dessert meant gathering around the table, sharing stories, and creating traditions that last a lifetime. It’s easy enough for a beginner baker yet impressive enough to serve at potlucks, brunches, or special occasions.
Every time I slice into this Apple Pie Cake, I’m reminded of childhood afternoons spent sneaking bites from my grandmother’s kitchen, where cinnamon-scented treats always seemed to materialize on the counter. The tender apples peek through the soft cake like sweet little surprises, and when you top each serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it feels like a celebration in every bite. But what really sets this dessert apart is how accessible it is—no rolling dough, no tricky folding, just simple mixing and layering in a pan that turns everyday ingredients into something truly remarkable. The blend of spices—warm cinnamon, fragrant nutmeg, and a hint of cloves—creates a cozy backbone, while the brown sugar adds pockets of caramel-like sweetness. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and about 50 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a stunning dessert worthy of any holiday table or casual weekend treat. Gather your loved ones around, slice a piece, and let the warm flavors spark beautiful memories of comfort and connection.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE PIE CAKE
To bake this delightful Apple Pie Cake, you need a balance of pantry staples and fresh produce that work together to create structure, moisture, and that signature spiced sweetness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the leavening agents that help the cake rise to the diced apples that bring juicy texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin:
- All-purpose flour
Provides the cake’s foundational structure and tender crumb, ensuring every slice holds together beautifully.
- Baking powder
Acts as a primary leavening agent, giving the cake a light and airy rise during baking.
- Baking soda
Works alongside baking powder to boost lift and helps balance the acidity of the buttermilk.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors in the cake and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses warmth and the classic apple-pie aroma into the batter, creating that inviting spiced flavor.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds a subtle, earthy depth that complements the sweetness of the apples and sugar.
- Ground cloves
Brings a gentle, aromatic spice that punctuates the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Unsalted butter
Contributes rich flavor and moisture, helping the cake achieve its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the batter and aids in achieving a fine crumb and golden-brown crust.
- Brown sugar
Adds extra moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, deepening the overall taste profile.
- Eggs
Provide structure, richness, and help bind all the ingredients together for a cohesive batter.
- Vanilla extract
Enhances the sweetness and aromatic qualities of the cake, rounding out the spice notes.
- Buttermilk
Imparts a mild tang, tenderizes the crumb, and interacts with baking soda to boost the cake’s lift.
- Peeled, cored, and diced apples
The star of the show—juicy, soft fruit morsels that deliver bursts of natural sweetness in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts (optional)
Offer a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
- Powdered sugar (optional)
A finishing touch that dusts the top with a delicate sweetness and elegant presentation.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE PIE CAKE
This recipe follows clear, step-by-step instructions designed to guide you through every stage of creating a moist, flavorful Apple Pie Cake. Whether you’re a novice baker or seasoned in the kitchen, these directions will help you achieve perfect results, with spiced apple pieces gracing every forkful.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until fully combined and evenly distributed.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together at medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk—beginning and ending with the flour blend—and mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
6. Fold in the diced apples and optional walnuts with a gentle hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set the structure and make slicing easier.
10. If desired, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE PIE CAKE
Once your Apple Pie Cake is baked to golden perfection, there are endless ways to elevate the experience and delight your guests. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or serving a sweet finale to a holiday feast, thoughtful accompaniments will highlight the spiced apple flavors and tender texture. Here are four of my favorite ways to plate and serve this crowd-pleasing dessert:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
Slice the cake while it’s still slightly warm and top each piece with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot cake and melting ice cream creates a luscious, dreamy combination.
- Drizzled with caramel sauce
Warm a bit of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce and gently drizzle it over each serving. The buttery caramel adds richness and a hint of salt that complements the sweet spices.
- Topped with whipped cream and cinnamon
Dollop lightly sweetened fresh whipped cream onto each slice and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for an elegant, cloud-like topping.
- Paired with hot beverages
Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider to bring out the spice notes and enhance the cozy autumn vibe.
HOW TO STORE APPLE PIE CAKE
Proper storage ensures your Apple Pie Cake remains moist, flavorful, and ready to enjoy for days after baking. Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping ahead for a gathering, follow these tips to maintain freshness and taste:
- Room temperature in an airtight container
Once fully cooled, place the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrap it with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve its tender crumb.
- Refrigeration for extended freshness
For up to 4 days of storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator inside an airtight container. This method helps prevent the apples from becoming overly soft while retaining moisture in the cake.
- Freezing whole or in slices
Wrap the cooled cake (whole or pre-sliced) tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Quick-thaw individual portions
For grab-and-go convenience, freeze individual slices between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat single portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through.
CONCLUSION
With its marriage of classic apple pie flavors and the tender crumb of homemade cake, this Apple Pie Cake has quickly become one of my favorite desserts to bake and share. We’ve covered everything you need to know—from a vivid introduction to the recipe and key ingredients, through step-by-step instructions, to inspired serving suggestions and practical storage tips. Whether you’re a beginner baker looking for an easy yet impressive dessert or a seasoned pro seeking a new twist on fall baking, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results with minimal fuss. Be sure to note the preparation time of 20 minutes, bake time of 45–50 minutes, and restful cooling period of about 30 minutes, all contributing to a total recipe time that fits neatly into your schedule. With approximately 350 calories per serving (based on 12 slices), you can feel good about sharing this spiced, fruit-packed treat with family and friends.
Feel free to print and save this article for later use, and remember—you can also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions. If you give this Apple Pie Cake a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave your comments, questions, or feedback so we can troubleshoot together and share in the joy of home baking. Happy baking!
Apple Pie Cake
Description
Experience the warm, spiced flavors of classic apple pie blended into a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
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Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
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Fold in the diced apples and walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
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If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Note
- Apple Pie Cake combines the flavors of apple pie and the texture of cake.
- For a variation, try using different types of apples or adding raisins for extra sweetness.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
