15 Best Apple Cake Recipes Ever Homemade
When the cool breeze of autumn rolls in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with the warm aroma of apple cake wafting from your kitchen. Apples, with their sweet and tart flavors, pair perfectly with cake batters, creating delightful desserts that everyone will love.
Whether you prefer a moist, spiced cake or a rich, caramel-infused delight, this collection of 15 best apple cake recipes will inspire you to bake and share the love of fall flavors.
Why Apple Cake Is a Fall Favorite
Apple cake has long been a beloved treat, especially during the fall season when apples are at their peak. The combination of fresh apples with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove creates the ultimate comfort dessert. Plus, apple cakes are incredibly versatile, allowing you to make a variety of versions—from light and fluffy cakes to rich and decadent layered desserts. There’s an apple cake for every occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy evening treat, or a special celebration.
1. Classic Apple Cinnamon Cake
This classic apple cinnamon cake combines the sweetness of fresh apples with the warmth of cinnamon, making it an instant hit with everyone. The soft, moist texture of the cake is complemented by the spicy notes of cinnamon and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving, and sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon.
2. Apple Crumble Cake
Who doesn’t love a good crumble topping? This apple crumble cake combines the richness of a soft, moist cake with a crumbly, buttery topping that’s simply irresistible. The apples add moisture to the cake, while the crumble provides a satisfying crunch, making this the perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup rolled oats
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together. Add the eggs and beat well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the apple slices and spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- For the crumble topping, mix the oats with a little brown sugar and butter, then sprinkle evenly over the cake.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden and set. Allow the cake to cool before serving.
3. Caramel Drizzle Cake
Indulge in the sweet and decadent flavors of this caramel drizzle cake. With a moist and fluffy cake base, this dessert is topped with a luscious caramel glaze that flows down the sides, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
4. Apple Cinnamon Cake
This apple cinnamon cake is the perfect treat for cozy fall afternoons. The cake is soft and moist, with a delightful blend of cinnamon and fresh apples, making every bite a comforting experience. It’s finished with a gentle dusting of cinnamon, adding a hint of warmth to the sweet, spiced flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled)
- ½ cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples, then pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sprinkle it with a dusting of cinnamon before serving.
5. Apple Cinnamon Roll Pie
Who can resist the combination of cinnamon rolls and apple pie? This apple cinnamon roll pie combines the delicious, soft layers of cinnamon rolls with the rich, comforting flavor of apple pie, topped with a sweet glaze. The warm apples and cinnamon filling create a perfect harmony with the flaky, buttery crust, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1 cup cinnamon roll dough (or homemade dough)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a pie dish.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough and place it in the pie dish.
- Layer the sliced apples in the center of the dough, followed by a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Roll out the cinnamon roll dough and cut it into strips. Lay the strips over the apples in a spiral pattern.
- Pour heavy cream over the dough and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the pie is golden and the apples are tender.
- Once out of the oven, drizzle the glaze from the cinnamon rolls on top for a sweet finish.
6. Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Who can resist a rich, buttery cake topped with a crumbly cinnamon streusel? This cinnamon streusel coffee cake is the perfect balance of moist cake and a sweet, crunchy topping that’s sure to impress. The cinnamon swirl and streusel topping provide a burst of flavor with each bite, making it the ideal companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Add vanilla extract and sour cream to the butter mixture, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- For the streusel topping, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
For those with gluten sensitivities, this gluten-free apple cake will still deliver the moist, flavorful experience you crave, without compromising on taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar together, then add eggs one by one.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and fold in the apples.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
8. Caramel Cinnamon Roll Cake
Indulge in the warmth of cinnamon rolls with a twist. This caramel cinnamon roll cake combines the rich, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls with a smooth, creamy texture and a luscious caramel sauce drizzle. The soft cake layers, filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, are topped with whipped cream and a generous pour of caramel sauce that makes this cake irresistibly sweet.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and stir until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel sauce by combining brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before drizzling the warm caramel sauce over the top.
- Top with whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and presentation.
9. Caramel Almond Fruit Cake
This caramel almond fruit cake is a delicious treat that combines the richness of caramel with the freshness of berries and the crunch of almonds. The cake is light and moist, with a swirl of juicy fruit and nutty flavor. Topped with a golden caramel drizzle and garnished with fresh berries, this cake is perfect for any celebration or just as a special dessert to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and stir until smooth.
- Fold in the dried fruit and chopped almonds.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel sauce by combining brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake and garnish with fresh berries.
10. Berry Almond Coffee Cake
Who doesn’t love a delicious coffee cake topped with sweet berries and crunchy almonds? This berry almond coffee cake is a perfect balance of soft cake, juicy fruit, and a nutty crumble topping. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in the mixed berries and spread the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Conclusion:
These 15 apple cake recipes are perfect for enjoying the best flavors of fall, whether you’re preparing a simple dessert for a family gathering or creating a showstopper for a special event. Apple cakes are versatile, delicious, and filled with comforting flavors that will make any occasion feel a little more festive.
