This Caramelized Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful, and comforting dessert that combines tender caramelized apples, warm cinnamon, and a light, fluffy cake base. The layer of apple filling adds natural sweetness and moisture, while the apricot jam enhances the fruity flavor. Whether served for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, this cake is a delightful homemade treat.
Preparation Time
This easy apple cake recipe is ready in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
This simple yet flavorful cake is made with basic pantry staples.
For the Apple Filling:
- 1 apple, peeled and sliced
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 150g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 8g vanilla sugar
- 120ml oil
- 150ml milk
- 250g flour
- 16g baking powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make this soft and moist apple cake.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apple, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the apricot jam and cook for another minute. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the oil and milk, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Spread the cooled apple mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, smoothing out the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Facts
This homemade apple cake is a light and satisfying dessert.
- Calories: 230 kcal per slice
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fats: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
The Origins and Popularity of Apple Cakes
Apple cakes have been a favorite in European and American baking traditions for centuries. In Germany, Apfelkuchen is a classic baked apple cake, while in France, Tarte Tatin features caramelized apples in an upside-down pastry. This recipe follows the old-fashioned style of layering caramelized apples into a fluffy cake batter, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully during baking. Today, apple cakes are loved worldwide for their moist texture, warm spices, and natural sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Caramelized Apple Cake is a perfect combination of soft, fluffy cake and tender apples.
- Moist and Flavorful: The apples and apricot jam add natural sweetness.
- Easy and Quick: Uses simple ingredients and requires minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea.
- Warm and Comforting: The cinnamon-spiced apples add a cozy, homemade touch.
Health Benefits of Apple Cake
This cake is nutritious yet indulgent, providing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Apples: A great source of fiber and vitamin C, supporting immune health.
- Cinnamon: Has anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-regulating properties.
- Eggs: Provide protein and essential vitamins.
- Milk: Adds calcium for strong bones.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious apple cake pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments.
- With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A classic way to enjoy it warm.
- With a Hot Beverage: Serve with coffee, tea, or spiced apple cider.
- With Yogurt and Honey: A lighter breakfast-friendly version.
- With Caramel Drizzle: Enhances the sweetness and richness.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake
Follow these pro tips for a perfectly baked and flavorful apple cake.
- Use Fresh Apples: Choose sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Keeps the cake soft and airy.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing: Helps the cake set properly.
- Use a High-Quality Apricot Jam: Adds extra depth of flavor.
- Add Nuts for Texture: Try adding chopped walnuts or almonds.
Variations to Try
Customize this caramelized apple cake with different flavors.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Nutty Apple Cake: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute almond or oat milk.
Conclusion: A Soft, Moist, and Flavorful Apple Cake
This Caramelized Apple Cake is a warm, comforting, and delicious dessert that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of soft, caramelized apples, fluffy cake, and a hint of apricot jam makes it a must-try for apple lovers. Whether you enjoy it with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a light dessert, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- 2. Can I freeze this cake? Yes! Wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.
- 3. What apples work best for this cake? Try Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples.
- 4. How do I make this cake more moist? Add a bit of yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
- 5. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? Yes! Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor.
- 6. How do I prevent my cake from sticking? Grease and flour the pan well before adding the batter.
- 7. Can I add raisins or nuts? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, almonds, or raisins make great additions.
- 8. How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
- 9. Can I replace apricot jam with another jam? Yes! Try peach, apple, or orange marmalade.
- 10. What’s the best way to serve this cake? Warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce.
Enjoy this delicious, soft, and fluffy Caramelized Apple Cake, a homemade treat perfect for any occasion! 🍏🍰✨