Dessert

Easiest Ever Moist Apple Cake Recipe

ByNoah Steele April 30, 2026April 30, 2026

Introduction

This easiest ever moist apple cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with tender apple pieces and warm spices, creating a comforting and flavorful dessert that’s simple to make. Whether for a casual tea time or a special gathering, this cake shines every time.

A round cake with a deep brown color is shown on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. One slice is cut out and lifted with a spatula, revealing a moist, dense inside filled with small chunks of pale yellow apple. The top of the cake is sprinkled with a dusting of white powdered sugar and thin slices of toasted almonds, giving it a slightly textured look. Around the cake, there are two silver forks and a few apple wedges with red skin and pale flesh blurred in the background, inviting to taste the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups plain/all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carb soda)

3/4 tsp each salt, cinnamon, and ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (or 1/4 tsp freshly ground)

1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs, at room temperature (55-60g/2oz each)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups apple, peeled, cored and cut into 8mm (1/3″) cubes (~2 large or 3 small apples)

1/2 cup flaked raw almonds
Icing sugar (confectioners sugar), for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for all oven types.

Step 2: Grease and line a 21 cm (9″) springform cake pan for easy removal.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
Step 4: In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil and sugar until blended, then add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk again to mix well.

Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Fold in the apple pieces carefully to avoid overmixing. (Optional: add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or other nuts for extra texture.)
Step 6: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the flaked raw almonds evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a skewer into the center—it’s done when the skewer comes out clean.

Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar before serving if desired.

Tips & Variations

Using room temperature eggs helps create a smooth, evenly textured batter.
Try substituting half the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter version.

Add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
For a more pronounced spice flavor, increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.

Storage

Store the cooled apple cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or serve at room temperature. This cake also freezes well: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before serving.

How to Serve

A single-layer round whole cake with a soft brown color and a slightly rough texture on the sides sits on a round wire rack. A slice is cut out and held on a silver spatula, showing a moist inside with small light yellow pieces, likely fruit, scattered throughout. The cake top is sprinkled with powdered sugar and thin almond slices. There are vintage silver forks lying on a white marbled surface near the cake, and a red apple slice is partially visible in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala will add more natural sweetness and softness.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture in the cake, but leaving the skins on can add extra fiber and nutrients if you prefer a more rustic texture.