This rustic caramelized apple cake is the kind of comforting, nostalgic dessert that brings a smile with every slice. Made with golden butter-fried apples, a soft vanilla batter, and simple pantry staples, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a coffee-time companion, or a beautiful bake for guests, this apple cake delivers elegance with minimal effort. It’s fluffy, fruity, gently sweet—and tastes even better the next day.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 8–10
Cuisine: European / Homestyle Baking
Ingredients
For the Apples
-
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
-
90 g butter
-
1/3 cup sugar (70 g)
For the Batter
-
2 large eggs
-
1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
-
A pinch of salt
-
1/2 cup milk (120 ml / 4 fl oz)
-
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (210 g)
-
1 tsp baking powder
For the Cake Pan
-
Butter (for greasing)
-
Parchment paper
For Decoration
-
1 tsp powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Caramelize the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the 1/3 cup sugar and the apple slices. Cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring gently, until the apples soften and begin to turn golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease the base and sides of a 20 cm (8-inch) round or square baking pan with butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper, pressing it gently into place to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt until frothy and light. Pour in the milk and stir until combined. Add the flour and baking powder, and mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be smooth but not dense.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Take the slightly cooled caramelized apples and gently fold them into the batter, along with any butter-sugar syrup left in the pan. This will add extra flavor and richness to the cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and set but still moist inside.
Step 6: Cool and Dust with Sugar
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing. Carefully lift out or invert onto a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust the top with 1 tsp powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut into slices and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
-
Calories: ~250 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 36 g
-
Protein: 4 g
-
Fat: 10 g
-
Sugar: 20 g
-
Fiber: 1 g
-
Sodium: Low
-
Cholesterol: Moderate
Origins and Popularity
Caramelized apple cakes are inspired by European farmhouse baking, particularly French and German rustic desserts like Gâteau aux pommes and Apfelkuchen. These cakes are typically made with pantry staples and seasonal fruit, celebrated for their simple preparation and rich, comforting taste. Unlike American-style apple pies, these cakes are less sweet, more buttery, and often served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
-
Quick to make with simple, everyday ingredients
-
No mixer needed—just a whisk and one bowl
-
Buttery, golden apples in every bite
-
Can be served warm or cold
-
Freezer-friendly and great for batch baking
Health Benefits
-
Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants
-
Moderate sugar content makes it less sweet than most frosted cakes
-
No cream or frosting makes it lighter on the stomach
-
Portion control—easy to slice and store
-
Can be made dairy-free with plant-based butter and milk
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche
-
Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
-
Sprinkle with toasted almonds or walnuts
-
Drizzle with caramel sauce or honey
-
Enjoy as part of a brunch spread or afternoon tea
Cooking Tips
-
Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for best texture
-
Don’t overcook the apples—they should be soft but hold their shape
-
Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling
-
Use a springform pan for easier removal
-
Dust the powdered sugar just before serving for the best visual appeal
Variations
-
Spiced version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter
-
Nutty twist: Fold in chopped pecans or almonds with the apples
-
Citrus flavor: Add lemon zest to the batter for brightness
-
Raisin addition: Add golden raisins for sweetness and texture
-
Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix
Conclusion
This caramelized apple cake is the perfect example of how a few humble ingredients can create a spectacular result. With its buttery richness, tender apples, and soft crumb, it’s both nostalgic and elegant. Whether you enjoy it plain with tea or dressed up with cream and berries, this cake is a celebration of home baking at its best—simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.
FAQ
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or plums work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times based on ripeness.
2. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes. Brown sugar will add depth and a caramel note to both the apples and the batter.
3. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—use plant-based butter and a neutral dairy-free milk like oat or almond.
4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
5. Should I peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the skins on for a more rustic finish.
6. What type of apple is best?
Firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best.
7. Can I bake this in a muffin tin?
Yes, reduce the bake time to about 20–25 minutes and fill each cup 2/3 full.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time to 45–50 minutes.
9. How do I prevent the apples from sinking?
Coat them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter.
10. Can I add spices to the batter?
Definitely! Try cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom to enhance the apple flavor.