Fresh Apple Cake Recipe That’s Sweet, Spiced, and Incredibly Moist

By:

Camila

fresh apple cake recipe

A crisp fall morning. The scent of cinnamon and warm apples drifting from your oven. Few things feel as comforting as baking a fresh apple cake recipe in your own kitchen. Because it’s made with simple pantry staples and sweet, juicy apples, this classic dessert is the kind of cozy treat that brings back memories—or creates new ones.

This fresh apple cake recipe isn’t just nostalgic—it’s practical. Thanks to oil and apples, it stays moist for days. You can customize it with different nuts, spices, or even bake it in various pans. Whether you’re making it for brunch or gifting it to a neighbor, this recipe delivers every time.

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Why This Fresh Apple Cake Recipe is a Must-Bake

Loved for its rustic charm and ease, the fresh apple cake recipe is beginner-friendly and endlessly flexible. You don’t need advanced baking skills—just fresh apples, pantry basics, and a bowl.

What sets this version apart is texture. It’s dense yet soft, thanks to apple moisture and oil. As a bonus, the flavor deepens over time, making leftovers even better.

It’s also easy to modify for dietary needs. Swap in coconut oil or a gluten-free flour blend. We also recommend this gluten-free dessert collection for other inclusive treats that don’t skimp on taste.

Want more inspiration? Check out these easy gluten-free dinner recipes for meals that match your dietary needs.

Best Apples for the Ultimate Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

Using the right apples in your fresh apple cake recipe is essential. Choose ones that hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness. Try:

  • Honeycrisp – juicy and crisp
  • Granny Smith – tart and firm
  • Fuji – dense and sweet
  • Braeburn – aromatic with spice

Mixing varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith adds complexity. And don’t forget—chopped apples with skin left on bring rustic flair and texture to your apple spice cake.

Ingredients for the Perfect Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

IngredientAmountNotes
All-purpose flour2 cupsCan use gluten-free blend
Baking soda1 tspNatural rise
Salt½ tspBalances flavors
Ground cinnamon1½ tspClassic spice
Nutmeg (optional)¼ tspAdds depth
Granulated sugar1 cupSweetness and structure
Brown sugar½ cupMoisture and richness
Eggs2 largeBinds ingredients
Vegetable oil½ cupMoisture; coconut oil works too
Vanilla extract2 tspEnhances flavor
Apples (chopped)3 cupsChoose firm, sweet-tart types
Walnuts/pecans (optional)½ cupToast for best flavor

Pro tip: Soak apples in lemon juice and sugar before adding to the batter for extra juiciness.

Step-by-Step: Make the Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the oven and pan
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients
Beat eggs, then stir in sugars, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Fold in apples
Stir chopped apples into wet mix. Then add dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 5: Add nuts (optional)
Toast and fold in walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Step 6: Bake
Pour into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Creative Variations on the Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

This fresh apple cake recipe is the perfect canvas for add-ins:

  • Shredded carrots
  • Dried cranberries
  • Applesauce for half the oil
  • Orange zest for brightness
  • Cinnamon streusel topping

Prefer fruity, tropical flavors? Explore our mango fruit dessert recipes for a refreshing contrast to warm apple treats.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serve with:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Cinnamon whipped cream
  • Cream cheese frosting

Storage: Keeps 3–4 days at room temp or freeze slices up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly.

Want to round out your fall brunch table? Try pairing this apple cake with our blueberry bagel recipe for a sweet and cozy combo.

FAQs: Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

What apples are best for this cake?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn are ideal for a apple spice cake.

Can I use raw apples?

Absolutely! They release moisture while baking and add fresh flavor.

Butter or oil?

Oil keeps this apple spice cake moist longer. Butter adds richness—choose based on preference.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the same great result.

How long does it last?

3–4 days at room temperature, longer if refrigerated or frozen.

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fresh apple cake recipe

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe That’s Sweet, Spiced, and Incredibly Moist


  • Author: Camila
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A cozy classic with just the right balance of spice and sweetness, this fresh apple cake recipe is moist, easy to make, and packed with juicy chunks of apple in every bite. Perfect for fall baking, potlucks, or simply a sweet afternoon treat.


Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 3 cups chopped apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix)

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, toasted for extra flavor)


Instructions

 

  1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

  4. Add Apples
    Stir chopped apples into the wet mixture.

  5. Combine
    Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in toasted nuts if using.

  6. Bake
    Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  7. Cool & Serve
    Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  1. For extra moistness, soak chopped apples in lemon juice and a sprinkle of sugar before mixing.
  2. Add-ins: shredded carrot, dried cranberries, or orange zest.
  3. Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or cream cheese glaze.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Conclusion

This fresh apple cake recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm, nostalgic hug in cake form. Whether you’re baking it for loved ones or just yourself, it never fails to satisfy. With its spiced aroma, sweet apples, and moist crumb, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Now go on—gather those apples, and bake a little slice of comfort today.

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