As the leaves change colours and the air grows crisp, nothing satisfies our sweet tooth like a warm, comforting slice of apple cake. Apple cake is a classic dessert packed with nutrients that combine the sweetness of apples with the warmth of spices, creating a moist and flavorful treat.
This dessert is perfect for gatherings, holiday parties or as a comforting snack. Infused with cinnamon, and vanilla to create a warm, spiced treat, this cake is simple, yet delicious and a treat that’s guaranteed for everyone to fall in love with.
Making Moist Apple Cake Recipe
To make this recipe, you will need:
Ingredients
2 medium apples (peeled, cored and cut into small (1/2 inch) cubes
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
1/2 cup butter (softened)
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup warm milk
1 tbsp confectioners sugar (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9′ loaf tin then line with a parchment paper.
Sift flour, cinnamon, salt and baking powder into a bowl. Set aside
In another bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter and sugar on high speed until; smooth and creamy
Add the eggs and vanilla and continue to beat until light and fluffy
Gradually mix in the flour mixture until combined
Fold in the chopped apples and pour batter into the pan
Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean if inserted in the middle
Let sit for 5-10 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack
Using a sieve, sprinkle confectioners sugar if using
The Ultimate Apple Cake Recipe
A moist and flavourful dessert combining tender apples and warm spices
The recipe calls for 2 medium apples but doesn’t specify a variety, which gives you flexibility. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the batter beautifully. Sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well and add a softer, more caramel-like flavor to the crumb.
2. Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing creates the gluten in the flour, which makes the cake tough and dense instead of light and tender. The recipe specifically advises folding ingredients gently to maintain moisture. Mix only until the flour is just mixed, a few small streaks are fine before the apples go in.
3. Can I make this apple cake into muffins?
Yes, the recipe explicitly lists this as a variation. Simply spread the batter evenly into a greased muffin tin and lower the baking time to around 18–22 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center, it should come out clean when they’re ready.
4. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely. The recipe suggests adding chopped almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and texture. You can also stir in a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth, or use different apple varieties to create unique flavor profiles. The batter is simple and versatile enough to handle most mix-ins without issue.
5. How should I store this cake and how long does it last?
Store the cooled cake at room temperature, covered loosely, for up to 2 days, or wrap it and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Since the cake contains fresh apple pieces, refrigerating it extends its shelf life significantly. It also freezes well, wrap in plastic and store in the freezer for up to two months.
About Devine Dishes
A lifelong love of cooking, one delicious recipe at a time.
Welcome to Devine Dishes! I'm so glad you're here.
I'm the cook, recipe creator, and food lover behind this little corner of the internet. Born and raised in Kenya, my love for cooking started when I was very young. Even as a child, I would happily volunteer to cook for the family, leaving the dishes and laundry for my siblings. Looking back, I think I had already discovered my passion and a clever way to avoid some chores! 😜
Where My Love for Cooking Began
In high school, I chose Home Science and quickly discovered that baking was something I truly enjoyed. I went on to win awards in provincial school baking competitions for three consecutive years. Those were incredibly proud moments for me, and I loved the feeling of creating something delicious with my own hands.
But not everyone saw cooking the way I did.
I still remember the day my chemistry teacher laughed out loud in class after I received one of my baking medals. He told me I was wasting my time with cooking and that I should focus on the sciences, which would give me a better future than cookies and cakes.
It was an embarrassing moment, especially as a student who was proud of something she had worked hard to achieve. But I didn't stop cooking.
That experience stayed with me, not because it changed my passion, but because it reminded me that sometimes you have to believe in yourself even when others don't understand your dreams.
From Cooking for Family to Building a Food Business
Over the years, my love for cooking has taken me on quite a journey.
I've explored different food business ideas, from cooking and selling chapatis and mandazis to catering, meal preparation, and delivery. Each experience taught me something new about food, business, and the joy of sharing a good meal with others.
Today, I'm excited to bring that passion to food blogging.
Devine Dishes is a place where I share the recipes I love, the ones I'm learning, and the ones I can't wait for you to try. You'll find African and Kenyan favorites, comforting family meals, delicious baking recipes, and practical dishes that make cooking at home enjoyable.
My goal is simple: to help you discover recipes that are delicious, approachable, and worth making again.
More Than Just Recipes
For me, food has always been about more than feeding people. It's about family, memories, creativity, and bringing people together.
When I'm not working, you'll often find me trying out new recipes, creating and editing content, or spending time with family. Sometimes we're swimming, watching TV, or simply chatting over a good meal. Those ordinary moments are some of my favorite moments.
I also love traveling and discovering new places, cultures, and foods. I'm hoping to do much more of it in the near future, and I'm excited about the inspiration those experiences will bring to my cooking and future recipes.
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you're visiting Devine Dishes for a Kenyan recipe, looking for something delicious to bake, or simply exploring new meals to try, thank you for being part of this journey.
Every recipe shared here is a little piece of my love for cooking, my experiences, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue something you're passionate about.
I hope you find something delicious, make wonderful memories around your table, and come back often.
Happy cooking!
With love,
Milli
The heart behind Devine Dishes
3 Comments. Leave new
Yum
Thank you
This apple cake was so moist, soft and full of warm cinnamon flavor. The apples made every bite delicious, and it was surprisingly easy to make!