Fluffy Apple Vanilla Cake with Apricot Glaze

If you’re in the mood for a soft, moist cake that carries the delicate warmth of vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, and the fruity brightness of apples and apricot jam, this Fluffy Apple Vanilla Cake with Apricot Glaze is the dessert for you. It’s the kind of homestyle treat that feels nostalgic yet refined, ideal for breakfast with coffee, afternoon tea, or a comforting after-dinner dessert.

The batter comes together easily with simple pantry ingredients like eggs, flour, sugar, milk, and oil, but it transforms into something truly special once baked to golden perfection. A topping of gently cooked apple slices, a buttery cinnamon-sugar layer, and a final brush of apricot jam make this cake not only taste heavenly but look elegant, too.

Whether you’re an experienced home baker or a beginner, this cake is virtually foolproof and always crowd-pleasing.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Baking Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Yield: 1 9-inch cake (serves 8–10)

Ingredients

For the cake batter:

• 3 eggs

• A pinch of salt

• 10 g vanilla sugar

• 150 g granulated sugar

• 120 ml vegetable oil

• 150 ml milk

• 250 g all-purpose flour

• 16 g baking powder (about 1 tablespoon)

For the apple topping:

• 1 apple (peeled and thinly sliced)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon apricot jam

• Ground cinnamon, to taste

For the glaze:

• Additional apricot jam (for brushing after baking)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add a pinch of salt. Whisk until lightly foamy. Add in the vanilla sugar and granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened—this helps incorporate air into the batter for a fluffier texture.

Next, add the vegetable oil in a steady stream while continuing to mix. Then, pour in the milk and stir until well combined.

Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gradually add to the wet mixture. Fold gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free, taking care not to overmix. This yields a light, airy cake.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Make the Apple Topping
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and the sliced apple. Sauté gently for 3–4 minutes until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape. Stir in 1 tablespoon of apricot jam and a light sprinkle of cinnamon to coat. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into the cake pan and gently smooth the top. Arrange the apple slices in a spiral or layered pattern over the surface. Pour any remaining sugary syrup from the skillet over the apples.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and slightly springy.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish
While the cake is still warm, gently brush the surface with an extra tablespoon or two of apricot jam. This gives the cake a beautiful shine and a sweet, fruity finish.

Allow the cake to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 270

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 18g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 110mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This apple vanilla cake is inspired by traditional European fruit cakes and tarts, particularly those from German and Austrian baking traditions, where simple sponge cakes are topped with fruit and a sweet glaze. Apricot jam has long been used in Central and Eastern European desserts as both a flavor booster and natural glaze. It adds subtle tartness and enhances the cake’s overall appearance.

Today, recipes like this one are popular worldwide for their simplicity, comfort, and nostalgic flavor. They’re often passed down through families and customized with local fruits or flavorings.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps

• Moist and flavorful: Thanks to the oil, milk, and eggs

• Naturally beautiful: Apple spirals and glaze make it look like a bakery dessert

• Versatile: Works as breakfast, snack, or dessert

• Light yet satisfying: Not overly sweet or dense

• Customizable: Change the fruit, spice, or jam for variety

Health Benefits

While this is a dessert, it offers modest nutritional value:

• Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C

• Eggs provide protein and essential nutrients like B12 and choline

• Milk contributes calcium for bone health

• Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

• Apricot jam in moderation offers a source of vitamin A

For a healthier twist, you could reduce the sugar or substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

• Pair with black coffee or earl grey tea for a perfect afternoon treat

• Add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant look

• Serve cold as a light after-dinner dessert

• Slice and pack in lunchboxes for kids or workday snacks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: Leads to a tough texture

• Underbaking: Always check with a toothpick in the center

• Too many apple slices: Can weigh down the cake and prevent it from rising properly

• Skipping the jam glaze: This adds essential flavor and shine

• Using cold ingredients: Eggs and milk should be room temperature for best results

Pairing Recommendations

• Beverages: Black tea, vanilla chai, cappuccino, or a glass of milk

• Savory side: Serve with scrambled eggs and fruit salad for brunch

• Other desserts: Pair with a tart lemon sorbet or fruit compote

• Holiday pairing: Goes wonderfully with mulled wine or spiced cider during colder months

Cooking Tips

• For extra flavor, add orange zest to the batter

• Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for texture

• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the topping for a caramel note

• Substitute pears, plums, or peaches in place of apples

• Add a splash of rum or amaretto to the batter for a grown-up version

Similar Recipes to Try

• Classic German Apple Cake

• Cinnamon Pear Loaf

• Plum and Almond Tart

• Apricot Yogurt Muffins

• Vanilla Sponge Cake with Berry Compote

• French Clafoutis with Apples

Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour blends and ensure baking powder is gluten-free

• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute almond milk and use dairy-free margarine

• Less Sweet: Reduce sugar to 100g in the batter if you prefer a subtler taste

• With nuts: Add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch

• Spiced version: Mix in ginger or nutmeg for deeper warmth

• Filled version: Layer half the batter, then spoon jam in the middle before covering with the rest

Ingredient Spotlight: Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is often overlooked but makes a big difference. Unlike plain vanilla extract, vanilla sugar adds flavor without adding liquid, which is especially useful in cakes where precise texture matters. You can buy it or make it at home by infusing granulated sugar with a split vanilla bean. It adds a fragrant depth to baked goods and pairs beautifully with fruit.

Conclusion Paragraph

This Fluffy Apple Vanilla Cake with Apricot Glaze is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite instantly. It’s easy to make, uses accessible ingredients, and has the kind of flavor and texture that feels like a hug. Whether you’re enjoying a slice warm from the oven or sneaking a piece with your morning coffee, this cake is a reliable, heartwarming dessert that you’ll turn to again and again. Sweet, lightly spiced, and topped with a glistening apricot finish—it’s simply irresistible.

10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different fruit instead of apple?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or plums make great alternatives.

2. Is it okay to skip the apricot jam?
While optional, the jam enhances flavor and adds a glossy finish. Peach or orange marmalade are great substitutes.

3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Reduce the sugar in the batter to 100g if you prefer a less sweet cake.

5. What kind of apples are best?
Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for best results.

6. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based milk and replace the butter with margarine or coconut oil.

7. How do I know it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Adjust baking time accordingly.

9. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, melted butter works, but the cake may be slightly denser.

10. What if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
Use 1 tsp of vanilla extract and reduce liquid slightly to compensate.