Soft Apple Cake: An Easy Recipe!

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s chat! I know that 5 PM panic all too well. The kids are hangry, you’re exhausted, and the last thing you want to do is slave over a complicated dinner. Well, I’ve got your back with this Soft Apple Cake.

I can still picture the first time I made this Soft Apple Cake. It was a chilly fall evening, and my little ones were begging for something sweet. I had a bunch of apples from our weekend trip to the local orchard, so I decided to give it a whirl. The house filled with the most amazing cinnamon-apple scent, and the kids were practically drooling as they watched me pull it out of the oven.

The best part? It wasn’t fussy or complicated – perfect for a busy mom like me! That Soft Apple Cake became an instant family favorite, and it’s been on repeat ever since. I’m excited to share my go-to apple cake recipe with you today!

This Soft Apple Cake is my saving grace on those nights when I need something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I promise, even if you’re a self-proclaimed “non-baker,” you can totally nail this! So grab your apron, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or wine!), and let’s get baking! I promise you, this easy apple cake will become a family staple.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s gather our supplies! The best part about this Soft Apple Cake is that you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. Trust me, this Soft Apple Cake ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped apples (I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp!)
Raw ingredients for a soft apple cake, including apples, flour, sugar, and spices, arranged on a wooden surface

No worries if you don’t have nutmeg – I usually skip it and my Soft Apple Cake still tastes amazing! You can grab all of these ingredients at Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. This Soft Apple Cake doesn’t have to break the bank!

Here’s a Soft Apple Cake trick that saved my sanity: I usually chop my apples ahead of time and store them in a bag in the fridge. One less thing to do when that 5 PM panic hits! My family loves when I add extra cinnamon – it makes the house smell heavenly! You can also find another great apple cake recipe to compare.

If you are looking for ways to use some of those leftover apples, check out this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce recipe: https://mommymademeals.com/crockpot-cinnamon-applesauce. It pairs great with the moist apple cake recipe.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get this Soft Apple Cake party started! I promise, these steps are super simple, even if you’re juggling a toddler and a phone call. Here’s where I used to mess up my Soft Apple Cake – don’t make my mistake!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is key to preventing sticking! In my chaotic kitchen, this Soft Apple Cake usually takes about an hour, so plan accordingly!
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! It doesn’t have to be perfect.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Don’t panic if your Soft Apple Cake batter looks a little oily – it’s totally normal!
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! It is the key to the perfect Soft Apple Cake.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped apples. Now your Soft Apple Cake batter is ready to go!
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Your Soft Apple Cake should smell amazing by now. Almost time for a reward!
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While your Soft Apple Cake is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!
  8. Let the cake cool completely before cutting and serving. Patience is a virtue, my friends!

Here’s a family-tested shortcut: I sometimes use store-bought apple pie filling instead of chopping apples. Sacrilege, I know, but it works in a pinch! You can also find another easy apple cake version for comparison.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve got this gorgeous Soft Apple Cake, now what? Here’s how my family devours it! The kids devour this Soft Apple Cake when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect sweet treat after a long day.

This Soft Apple Cake is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a quick and easy dessert. I also love making this for potlucks or bake sales. It’s always a hit!

For presentation, I usually just dust it with a little powdered sugar. Easy peasy! Leftover ideas? We rarely have any, but if we do, I love crumbling it up and using it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Delicious!

In the fall, I sometimes add a caramel drizzle on top. It takes it to a whole new level! My guests always rave about this Soft Apple Cake. It’s simple, yet so satisfying.

The fall apple cake is even better served alongside a warm beverage on a chilly day. This Soft Apple Cake reminds me of another family favorite: https://mommymademeals.com/hawaiian-pineapple-carrot-cream-cake.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about this Soft Apple Cake. I’ve been there, I get it! Can my picky eater handle this Soft Apple Cake?

  1. Can my picky eater handle this Soft Apple Cake?

    Absolutely! The apples are soft and the cinnamon adds a touch of sweetness that most kids love. You can even peel the apples if your little one is super picky.

  2. What if I burn my Soft Apple Cake? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

    Been there, done that! If the top is getting too brown, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. If it’s really burnt, you can try cutting off the top layer. We’ve all been there trying to perfect this moist apple cake!

  3. Can I make this Soft Apple Cake ahead for meal prep?

    Totally! This Soft Apple Cake is actually even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

  4. Can I use different types of apples?

    Of course! I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but any apple that holds its shape well during baking will work.

  5. What if I don’t have vegetable oil?

    You can use melted coconut oil or even applesauce in a pinch!

  6. Can I add nuts to this Soft Apple Cake?

    Definitely! Walnuts or pecans would be delicious.

  7. My cake is dry! What did I do wrong?

    You probably overmixed the batter. Remember to mix until just combined. This is the key to a moist apple cake.

If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for this one: https://mommymademeals.com/cinnamon-roll-honeybun-cheesecake! This homemade apple cake has been a family favorite for years.

Final Thoughts:

This Soft Apple Cake is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a symbol of those cozy moments we share as a family, gathered around the table, enjoying something simple and delicious. I hope it brings the same joy to your home!

My Soft Apple Cake Mom Hacks:

  • Pre-chop those apples to save time!
  • Use store-bought apple pie filling in a pinch!
  • Don’t overmix the batter!

Here are a few family-tested variations:

  • Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking.
  • Apple Crumble Cake: Add a crumble topping made with oats, flour, and butter.
  • Spiced Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the batter.

My son loves the caramel version, while my daughter prefers the classic. Encourage your readers to try out these easy changes to find the perfect Soft Apple Cake.

Fellow kitchen warriors, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Soft Apple Cake your own! I hope you nail this Soft Apple Cake. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out FitWaffle’s Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe.

Overhead view of a freshly baked and golden soft apple cake on a cooling rack

You’ve got this! Now go bake some memories! I know you will create the perfect Soft Apple Cake.

 

Print

Soft Apple Cake

Overhead shot of a freshly baked Soft Apple Cake

This Soft Apple Cake is a comforting and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Its moist texture and sweet apple flavor make it an irresistible treat.

  • Author: Vivien
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • Optional: Cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the diced apples.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
  8. If desired, sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!