Easy Apple Cake

Easy Apple Cake

15 servings
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delicious. This recipe for my apple cake is just that! The appeal and charm of this cake are due to the moist, bouncy, and not TOO sweet taste. Sometimes desserts are just TOO sweet and it ruins the appeal. This cake is made easily with a box of yellow cake mix but also super fresh with two ripe apples, some spices, and my secret ingredient sour cream to make it bouncy and moist. I have a feeling once you make this cake you might even decide it deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving dessert table. Let's make it!

Ingredients

  • apples)

    diced into small pieces (i used 1 granny smith and 1 gala

    2
  • box yellow cake mix
    15.3 oz
  • brown sugar
    ½ c
  • tbsp + 1 tsp cinnamon

    divided

    1
  • ground ginger
    ¼ tsp
  • nutmeg
    ½ tsp
  • lemon

    juiced

    1
  • sour cream
    1 c
  • vegetable oil
    ¾ c
  • eggs
    4 large
  • vanilla extract
    1 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    In a bowl add the diced apples.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl combine the brown sugar and 1 & ½ tbsp cinnamon.

  3. 3

    Set aside 4 tbsp of the cinnamon sugar mixture for the topping and shake the remaining over the apples.

  4. 4

    Then shake over the ground ginger, nutmeg, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Mix together that until everything is incorporated.

  5. 5

    In a separate large bowl combine the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream.

  6. 6

    Whisk or beat with an electric mixer until combined.

  7. 7

    Then add in the cake mix and whisk everything together until combined.

  8. 8

    Then you can fold the apples into the batter until combined and then pour that into a greased 9x13 baking dish.

  9. 9

    Or you can pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 baking dish.

  10. 10

    Then pour the apples over the top of the batter and gently go back and forth with a knife until the apples are incorporated with the batter.

  11. 11

    Then just sprinkle over your desired amount of the set aside cinnamon sugar mixture all over the top.

  12. 12

    Bake that in the oven at 350°F for 35 minutes.

  13. 13

    Let the cake cool before serving.

Easy Apple Cake

Easy Apple Cake

31 min15 servings

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About this Recipe

Looking for an apple cake that's effortlessly delicious and never too sweet? This Easy Apple Cake recipe delivers incredible moisture and a delightfully bouncy texture, perfect for any occasion.

The magic of this apple cake lies in its clever combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Starting with a yellow cake mix provides a reliable base, while fresh diced apples, warm spices, and the secret ingredient—sour cream—transform it into something truly special. The sour cream ensures an incredibly moist and bouncy crumb, balancing the sweetness for a delightful dessert that truly stands out.

Prepare for a dessert that embodies cozy comfort with every forkful. You'll experience a cake that's wonderfully moist and tender, packed with the bright, spiced notes of fresh apple and warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It's a sweet treat that feels homemade and wholesome, yet remarkably simple to bring together, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delicious.

While this recipe shines as is, feel free to experiment with your apple choices. A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Gala provides a lovely balance, but other firm, baking-friendly apples can also be used. You might also adjust the balance of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to suit your preference for a bolder or subtler spice profile. Don't have a lemon? A splash of apple cider vinegar can offer a similar acidic kick to the apples.

This delightful apple cake is perfect as a comforting dessert after any meal or a lovely treat with your afternoon coffee. It's even charming enough to grace your Thanksgiving dessert table, offering a warm, spiced alternative to traditional pies.

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