This classic apple cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist and tender crumb filled with juicy apple slices, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part is, it’s simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

4 eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
100 g sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden brown color.
A pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors.

Vanillin to taste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract): Adds a pleasant aroma and flavor.
40 g melted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and moisture.
200 ml milk (3/4 cup): Helps create a smooth batter.

200 g flour (1 2/3 cups): Provides the base structure for the cake.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises properly.
5 large apples or 7 medium apples: The star of the cake, providing natural sweetness and moisture.

20 g melted butter (1 1/2 tablespoons, for topping): Adds a delicious finish to the cake.
Powdered sugar (optional, for sprinkling): Adds a touch of extra sweetness and an elegant finish.

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F): Ensuring your oven is properly preheated helps the cake bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Batter

Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs with 100 g of sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanillin to taste (or vanilla extract) until well combined and slightly frothy. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cake a light and airy texture.
Add Butter and Milk: Add 40 g of melted butter and 200 ml of milk to the egg mixture. Mix well to incorporate. The butter adds richness while the milk helps create a smooth batter.
Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift in 200 g of flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder into the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter. Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, which can lead to a lighter cake.

3. Prepare the Apples

Peel and Slice Apples: Peel, core, and cut 5 large apples or 7 medium apples into thin slices. It’s crucial to cut the apples thinly for even baking. Thin slices ensure the apples cook evenly and blend well into the batter.
Fold Apples into Batter: Gradually fold the apple slices into the batter, stirring gently to avoid breaking the apple pieces. Ensure that every apple slice is well-coated with the batter. This ensures the apples are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

4. Assemble the Cake

Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 24 cm (9.5 inches) baking dish with oil or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking to the dish.

Pour the Batter: Carefully pour the apple batter mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to avoid any gaps. An even layer ensures the cake bakes uniformly.
Drizzle with Butter: Drizzle 20 g of melted butter over the top of the batter for added richness and a beautiful golden crust.

5. Bake the Cake

Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven on a rack positioned below the middle height. This positioning helps the cake bake evenly without burning the top.

Bake Time: Bake for 60 minutes at 180°C (356°F) until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully baked.

6. Cool and Serve

Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting. This helps the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier. Cooling also helps the cake set properly.
Optional Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of extra sweetness and an elegant finish.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

Serve with Whipped Cream: Pair slices of the apple cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The creamy texture complements the cake’s moist crumb.
Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. Nuts add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall taste.
Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a mix of warm spices (like nutmeg and allspice) to the batter for a spiced apple cake variation. Spices add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Serve with Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add a touch of color and freshness by garnishing with fresh berries or a few slices of apple.

Storing and Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store the cooled apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Refrigeration helps maintain its freshness.

Freezing: The cake can also be frozen. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: For a warm slice, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven for a few minutes.

Conclusion

This classic apple cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples. With its tender crumb and rich flavor, it’s perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to a festive gathering. The combination of moist cake and juicy apples makes each bite a delightful experience. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones!