Classic Moist and Soft Apple Cake

Apple Cake is a classic and timeless dessert that, just by tasting it, brings back childhood memories and makes everyone feel like a child again, immediately catapulted into grandma's kitchen. Soft and pleasantly moist on the inside, it is made with simple and genuine ingredients, often already present at home: eggs, sugar, flour, melted butter and, of course, apples, among the most loved and versatile fruits.

The preparation is not complicated at all: just work, with the electric whisk or the planetary mixer, the eggs with the sugar, incorporate the warm melted butter and the grated lemon zest, complete with the powders and transfer the mixture into a springform pan lined with baking paper. All that remains is to arrange the sliced ​​apples on the surface, sprinkle with granulated sugar and pieces of butter, and that's it.

The passage in the oven gives us a fragrant dessert with a caramelized crust, perfect for any breakfast or snack, accompanied by a cup of hot coffee or infusion, but also excellent as a happy end to a meal, together with a small glass of fortified wine or an espresso.

What is Apple Cake?

Apple cake is a timeless dessert with roots in European baking traditions, where apples have long been a staple ingredient due to their abundance and versatility. In Germany, the Apfelkuchen is a classic, often featuring a buttery streusel topping, while in France, Tarte Tatin offers a caramelized twist. Across Italy, variations like Torta di Mele showcase the country’s love for simple, rustic sweets, with recipes often passed down through generations.

Fun fact: apple cakes gained popularity during harvest seasons, as they were a delicious way to use up bruised or surplus apples.

Pro Tips for The Best Apple Cake

• Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Grate the lemon zest directly before mixing for maximum aroma and flavor.
• Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Overlap apple slices slightly for an appealing look and even baking.
• Use a toothpick to check if the center is fully baked before removing it from the oven.
• Let the cake cool slightly to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.

Apple Cake Vs. Pie

Apple pie is a pastry-based dessert with a flaky crust encasing a filling of spiced apples, often baked in a pie dish. Apple cake, on the other hand, is a batter-based dessert where apples are mixed into or layered on top of a soft, moist cake, typically baked in a round or loaf pan.

What Are The Best Apples To Use for Apple Cake

For an optimal result, it is important to choose the most suitable variety of apples: among the best there are certainly the Golden Delicious and the Renetta, but the Fuji will also be fine, with their very juicy pulp.

How Do I Moisten My Apple Cake if It Came Out Dry?

If your cake comes out dry, you can moisten it by brushing it with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) or fruit juice. Alternatively, you can drizzle a glaze, like lemon or caramel, over the top. For extra richness, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream!

What Else Can I Add to The Cake to Make it Even Better?

To elevate the cake, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) for crunch, or raisins for a chewy sweetness. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream as a topping can also enhance the flavor and presentation.

How Do I Serve This Cake?

Serve this apple cake warm or at room temperature on a platter dusted with powdered sugar. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!

Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to three days. Reheat before serving for that freshly baked feel.

Can I Freeze Apple Cake?

Sure! Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in the oven to refresh its texture before serving.

More Apple Desserts You Need to Try This Thanksgiving!

Irish Apple Cake

Invisible Apple Cake

Apple Custard Cake

Upside Down Apple Cake

Air Fryer Apple Cake

Apple Dapple Cake

Italian Apple Amaretti Cake

How to Store Apple Cake

The apple pie can be stored at room temperature, under a glass cake bell jar, for 2-3 days maximum.

How to Make Moist Apple Cake

Beat the eggs in a bowl with an electric whisk until frothy, add half the sugar and continue to work them at maximum speed. When they are almost whipped, add the remaining sugar and proceed with the electric whisk until you obtain a fluffy, light and frothy mass.

Pour the butter, previously melted and left to cool and flavor with the grated zest of a lemon, then mix the ingredients well with the whisk.

Complete with a pinch of salt, sifted flour and yeast, incorporating them with a spatula so as not to deflate the mixture excessively.

Transfer the mixture obtained into a springform pan already lined on the base and along the sides with baking paper, then level the surface with the spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.

Peel the apples, remove the core and cut them into slices that are not too thin.

Arrange them in a radial pattern along the edges of the cake, then, sprinkle the surface with granulated sugar.

Spread a few pieces of butter and cook in a preheated static oven at 360°F (180°C) for about 40 minutes.

Once cooked, remove the apple cake from the oven and let it cool. Transfer it to a serving dish and sprinkle it with powdered sugar.

Enjoy!