Fresh Apple Cake is a love letter to autumn, blending warm spices with tender apple chunks in every bite. Inspired by European tea cakes and Southern comfort baking, this cake strikes a balance between rustic charm and refined flavors. The result? A moist, fragrant treat that feels just as at home in a countryside kitchen as it does on a patisserie display.
Pair it with Yorkshire pudding for a delightful contrast of textures or enjoy it alongside a slice of homemade yeast bread for a bakery-style spread. The deep caramelization of the apples, combined with the cake’s pillowy crumb, makes it a versatile dessert that bridges cultures and cuisines.
This recipe is a lesson in balance—spices that sing, apples that melt, and a cake that stays irresistibly moist. Whether served warm with whipped cream or cooled for an afternoon indulgence, it’s an effortless way to bring a little bakery magic into your home kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- A bite of nostalgia: Every forkful reminds me of crisp autumn mornings and cozy bakeries. If you love warm, spiced desserts, this one’s for you!
- Globally inspired, locally loved: European spice cakes meet Southern-style baking, creating a unique yet familiar flavor profile.
- Stays moist for days: Thanks to the natural juices from the apples, this cake keeps its soft texture—even better the next day!
- Caramelized edges, soft center: The perfect contrast of textures makes every bite exciting.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Whether served plain, with cream, or alongside Yorkshire pudding and yeast bread, this cake always delivers.
Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Fine mesh sieve
Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apple
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a small fluted tube pan.
- Sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a bowl and set it aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, egg, and oil.
- Gradually stir in the sifted flour mixture until combined.
- Fold in the chopped apple, walnuts, and raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
Notes
- You can swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
- For a touch of extra sweetness, add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the finished cake.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 213kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 16g |
Variations To Help you Customise This Dish!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a more aromatic spice blend.
- Fruit Twist: Replace some or all of the apples with pears or chopped peaches for a fruity variation.
- Add Some Zest: Grate a little lemon or orange zest into the batter for a fresh citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist.
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based oil for a vegan version.
