Apple Pie Cake (Moist, Spiced & Easy-to-Make)
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie but want something quicker and easier, this Apple Pie Cake is your new go-to dessert. Tender cake layers are studded with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a crumbly streusel or glaze, giving you all the taste of a classic apple pie in a soft, sliceable cake form.
Perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave that sweet-and-spiced apple flavor without the fuss of making a pie crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Moist, tender cake infused with cinnamon-spiced apples
✔️ Easy to bake in one pan
✔️ No pie crust required
✔️ Perfect for dessert, brunch, or afternoon tea
✔️ Can be served warm or at room temperature
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup milk
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2 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Streusel Topping (Optional):
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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¼ cup cold butter, cubed
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tablespoons milk
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in chopped apples gently.
5. Add Streusel (Optional)
If using streusel, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter in the pan.
6. Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack if desired.
7. Add Glaze (Optional)
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.
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Slice and enjoy with coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
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Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for added aroma and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cake
✔️ Use firm, slightly tart apples (like Granny Smith) for balance.
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter—fold gently to keep the cake tender.
✔️ Streusel topping adds texture, but you can skip for a simpler version.
✔️ Serve warm to bring out the apple and spice flavors.
Variations
Caramel Apple Pie Cake
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Nutty Version
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or streusel.
Mini Bundt Cakes
Bake in muffin tins or mini bundt pans for individual servings.
Apple-Cinnamon Swirl
Add a cinnamon sugar swirl inside the batter for extra flavor.
Storage
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Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Cake captures the comforting, spiced flavor of classic apple pie without the effort of making a crust. Moist, tender, and loaded with sweet cinnamon apples, it’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a simple everyday treat.