The Best Moist & Perfectly Spiced Apple Cake: A Family Favorite Fall Dessert

This Moist Apple Cake is incredibly easy to make, perfectly spiced with warm autumn flavors, and generously filled with tender, chopped apples. It’s the ultimate comforting dessert for any fall gathering or a cozy night in, easily baked in a beautiful bundt pan or classic loaf pans.

As the crisp air of autumn arrives and leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples baking in the oven. Fall is truly my favorite season for baking, and apples, with their natural sweetness and delightful texture, are at the heart of many cherished recipes. They infuse baked goods with an irresistible moisture and flavor that simply can’t be matched.

Today, I’m thrilled to share a very special family recipe that perfectly celebrates the bounty of fresh fall apples: this homemade, moist apple cake. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of tradition and warmth that has graced our holiday tables for generations.

For as long as I can remember, Josh’s Grandmother has baked countless loaves of this exact apple cake every year, especially during the festive holiday season. It’s a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, evoking memories of family gatherings and delicious moments. I’ve always adored its simple charm and incredible flavor, and it felt like the perfect time to finally share this treasured recipe with all of you. After all, a recipe that comes straight from Grandma’s kitchen is always a winner, isn’t it?

While I often bake this cake in a beautiful bundt pan, primarily because I love the elegant presentation it offers, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can also bake it in two standard loaf pans, which is how Josh’s Grandmother often prepares it. I’ve made sure to include detailed instructions in the recipe card below for how to achieve perfect results using loaf pans, should you prefer that traditional approach or simply not have a bundt pan on hand. The choice is yours, and the delicious outcome is guaranteed either way!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Cake

There are countless reasons why this apple cake has become a beloved staple in our family, and why I believe it will quickly become one in yours too. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a comforting experience that embodies the very essence of fall baking:

• Incredibly Moist Texture: Thanks to the combination of oil and brown sugar, along with a generous amount of fresh apples, this cake boasts an unbelievably moist crumb that stays soft for days. No dry cake here!
• Perfectly Spiced Flavor: A thoughtful blend of ground cinnamon and allspice creates a warm, inviting aroma and a delightful flavor profile that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples. It’s fall in every bite.
• Packed with Fresh Apples: We don’t skimp on the star ingredient! Each slice is bursting with tender, chopped apples, ensuring you get a bite of apple in every forkful. This also contributes significantly to the cake’s fantastic moisture.
• Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance and rich flavor, this apple cake recipe is straightforward and uses simple pantry ingredients. It’s a perfect baking project for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Versatile Presentation: Whether you opt for a stunning bundt cake or two rustic loaf cakes, this recipe is adaptable to your preferred presentation, making it suitable for various occasions.
• A True Family Treasure: This cake carries the warmth and love of a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations. Sharing it feels like sharing a piece of our heritage.

Ingredients For This Moist Apple Cake

Crafting this delightful apple cake requires a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The key, as with any great recipe, lies in the quality of your ingredients and how they are measured and combined. When it comes to the star ingredient, apples, I personally love using Honeycrisp for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, but I’ll share other fantastic options as well. Here’s a closer look at what we’ll need to create this easy apple bundt or loaf cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: This recipe calls for 3 cups (375 grams) of all-purpose flour. Proper measurement is crucial for the cake’s texture. Always use the spoon and level method: gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until overflowing, then level it off with the back of a straight edge or knife. This prevents compacting the flour and adding too much, which can result in a dense, dry cake.
• Baking Soda & Salt: These essential leavening agents work in harmony to help the cake rise beautifully, ensuring a light and airy texture. Salt also plays a vital role in balancing out the sweetness and enhancing all the wonderful flavors in the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon & Allspice: These two spices are the heart and soul of this cake’s fall flavor. Ground cinnamon provides that classic warm, sweet, and woody note that pairs perfectly with apples. Allspice adds a more complex, fragrant blend reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, creating a truly inviting aroma and depth of flavor. I highly recommend using both for the best results, but if you only have cinnamon, the cake will still be delicious.
• Oil (Canola, Vegetable, or Melted Coconut Oil): Unlike cakes made with butter, using oil ensures an incredibly moist cake that stays tender for longer. I typically use canola oil due to its neutral flavor, but vegetable oil works just as well. Melted and slightly cooled coconut oil is also a great alternative, adding a subtle tropical note if desired.
• Sugar (Granulated & Brown Sugar): This recipe uses a thoughtful combination of both granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Granulated sugar provides foundational sweetness and contributes to the cake’s structure. Light brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor and, crucially, a significant amount of moisture, making the cake wonderfully tender and keeping it from drying out.
• Eggs & Vanilla Extract: Josh’s grandmother’s original recipe called for just two eggs, but through testing, I found that adding an extra egg (making it three large eggs in total) resulted in a noticeably lighter, more tender crumb. Eggs provide structure, richness, and help with leavening. Pure vanilla extract is also a must-have flavor enhancer, elevating the overall taste of the cake with its sweet, aromatic notes.
• Apples: The true star of this cake! Josh’s Grandmother traditionally used 3-4 cups of chopped apples. I’ve found that 3 cups (approximately 350 grams) is the perfect amount to ensure you get a delightful burst of apple in nearly every bite, and it’s instrumental in keeping the cake incredibly moist. We’ll delve into apple varieties shortly, but remember to chop them into roughly ½-inch pieces for even distribution and baking.

How to Make This Moist Apple Cake

Making this moist and flavorful apple cake is a simple and rewarding process, perfect for a cozy afternoon of baking. The steps are straightforward, ensuring a delicious result every time. Here’s a detailed guide to bringing this family favorite to life:

Preparing Your Ingredients and Oven

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature ensures the cake bakes evenly all the way through without burning the exterior, especially important for a dense, fruit-laden cake.
2. Prepare Your Pan: Whether you’re using a bundt pan or loaf pans, proper preparation is key to preventing sticking. For a bundt pan, liberally spray it with a high-quality nonstick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is coated. For loaf pans, spray two 9×5-inch loaf pans thoroughly. You can also lightly flour the greased pan(s) for extra insurance against sticking, especially with intricate bundt pan designs.
3. Chop Your Apples: Peel, core, and chop your chosen apples into roughly ½-inch pieces. Consistency in size helps them cook evenly within the cake.

Mixing the Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set this bowl aside.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, even larger mixing bowl, whisk together the oil (canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil), granulated sugar, light brown sugar, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and all the sugars have dissolved, creating a light and homogenous liquid base.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix them together using a whisk or a rubber spatula until they are *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough cake. The batter will be quite thick, which is perfectly normal for this recipe.
4. Fold in the Apples: Now for the star ingredient! Add your chopped apples to the thick batter. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed. Again, avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s tender texture.

Baking and Cooling

1. Fill Your Pan(s): Scoop the thick apple cake batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. If using loaf pans, divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and spread it into a uniform layer.
2. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan(s) in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60 to 65 minutes. The exact baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven and pan choice. The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the deepest part comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
3. Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the top of your cake browning too quickly during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from getting too dark while allowing the inside to finish cooking.
4. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. This allows the cake to set and firm up before unmolding. After 20 minutes, carefully invert the bundt cake (or loaf cakes) onto the wire rack, remove the pan, and allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. Cooling fully is essential for the cake’s structure and for any glaze to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

This apple cake is absolutely delicious on its own, showcasing the pure flavors of apple and spice. However, it’s also wonderfully adaptable to various toppings:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of elegance and subtle sweetness.
• Vanilla Glaze: For an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish, a simple vanilla glaze is highly recommended. The recipe for this easy glaze is included in the recipe card.
• Other Toppings: Consider a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cake

Do I Have to Use a Bundt Pan?

Absolutely not! While a bundt pan creates a beautiful, decorative cake, this recipe is incredibly flexible. Josh’s Grandmother often bakes this apple cake in two loaf pans, and it turns out just as wonderfully moist and delicious. If you prefer or only have loaf pans, you can certainly use two standard 9×5-inch loaf pans instead. The texture and flavor will remain the same, though the presentation will be more rustic and homey. The baking time typically remains consistent for both options.

To make this easy apple cake recipe in two loaf pans:

1. Liberally spray two 9×5-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring full coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Evenly divide the prepared batter between both loaf pans. Use a spatula to spread the batter into one even layer in each pan.
3. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean.
4. If you notice the tops browning too quickly during the final 10 to 15 minutes of baking, loosely tent the loaf pans with aluminum foil to prevent excess darkening while the inside finishes cooking.

How to Store Apple Bundt Cake

Proper storage is key to keeping your apple cake fresh and moist. Once the cake has cooled completely to room temperature, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.

• At Room Temperature: The cake will stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• In the Refrigerator: For extended freshness, you can store the apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be aware that refrigeration can sometimes slightly alter the texture of cakes, making them a little firmer, but it will still be delightful.

Can I Freeze This Cake?

Yes, this apple cake freezes exceptionally well, making it a great recipe for meal prepping or having a delicious dessert on hand. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To freeze:

1. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before freezing. If glazed, make sure the glaze is fully set.
2. Wrap the entire cake (or individual slices for convenience) tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
3. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.

To thaw and serve:

1. When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen cake to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
2. Once thawed, bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a warm, comforting treat.

More Delicious Apple Dessert Recipes:

If you love baking with apples as much as we do, you’ll want to explore these other fantastic recipes. Each one highlights the versatility and deliciousness of fresh apples in a unique way:

• Mini Apple Pies: Perfect individual servings of classic apple pie goodness.
• Cinnamon Apple Crisp: A warm, comforting dessert with a buttery, spiced oat topping.
• Classic Apple Pie: The timeless dessert, perfect for any occasion.
• Apple Coffee Cake: A delightful breakfast or brunch treat with a cinnamon-spiced apple layer.
• Apple Hand Pies: Portable and charming, these little pies are great for on-the-go snacking.
• Apple Cider Donut Cake: All the flavors of a fall favorite donut in cake form.