Soft Apple Cake

Welcome to this Soft Apple Cake — a cozy, home-baked classic that’s every bit as comforting as it sounds. With its tender crumb, warm cinnamon aroma, and juicy bites of apple in every forkful, it’s the kind of cake that feels like a hug from the inside out. I first made this recipe on a chilly autumn afternoon when I had just two apples left on the counter and a craving for something sweet but simple. The result was pure magic: moist, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a lazy Sunday treat, or a family dessert, this cake is easy, accessible, and foolproof for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what makes this Soft Apple Cake a keeper in my kitchen — and soon in yours too. It’s soft, fragrant, and balanced with just the right touch of sweetness. The batter comes together in minutes, and the ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly staples you probably already have. No fancy mixers or hard-to-find items here — just a few humble ingredients that transform into something truly special. The gentle spice of cinnamon paired with the tender apples makes this cake perfect for any occasion — breakfast, dessert, or a comforting midday snack.

Rich and Soft Texture

The secret to the cake’s delicate, cloud-soft crumb lies in the combination of butter, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk. Together, they keep the cake moist and tender, while the finely chopped apples add little bursts of natural juiciness in every bite.

Simple Ingredients You Likely Have

All you need is a handful of kitchen staples — all-purpose flour, baking powder and soda, cinnamon, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream or Greek yogurt, apples, milk, and lemon juice.
Each one plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture, proving that simple ingredients can make something extraordinary.

Straightforward Preparation

No special skills required! You’ll whisk the dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugars, add the eggs and vanilla, then fold in the apples before baking. It’s as easy as it gets, yet the results taste like a bakery masterpiece. Don’t worry if you’re new to baking — this recipe was made for you.

Customisable to Your Taste

Make it your own! Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or raisins for a rustic touch, or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can even dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic finish — the kind that looks effortlessly elegant at any gathering.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Ingredient Roles and Secrets

Each ingredient in this Soft Apple Cake brings something important to the table:

• Flour provides the structure — it’s the backbone that gives the cake its shape.

• Baking powder and baking soda create a light, airy rise, ensuring the texture stays soft and tender.

• Cinnamon adds warmth and a cozy depth that pairs beautifully with the apples.

• Butter gives richness and that melt-in-the-mouth texture we all love.

• Granulated and brown sugar add balanced sweetness — brown sugar also lends a hint of caramel flavor.

• Eggs act as the glue, binding everything together while adding moisture and richness.

• Vanilla extract enhances the flavor with its sweet, aromatic note.

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt keeps the cake moist and slightly tangy, adding balance to the sweetness.

• Apples are the heart of the recipe — they infuse the cake with flavor, texture, and natural sweetness.

• Milk loosens the batter for an even, tender crumb.

• Lemon juice brightens the overall taste and keeps the apples fresh.

• Powdered sugar gives a beautiful, bakery-style finish that’s simple yet elegant.

How to Make Soft Apple Cake

Baking this Soft Apple Cake is one of those wonderfully satisfying experiences that fills your kitchen with warmth and your home with the scent of cinnamon and apples. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers bakery-quality results every time — soft, buttery, and full of cozy flavor. Whether you’re a confident baker or just starting out, this recipe is as approachable as it gets. Let’s get baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

💡 Tip: A light mist of baking spray or a thin coat of butter works perfectly. Preheating ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start.

2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

Whisk until everything is well combined and lump-free.

🔸 Side Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients helps create an extra-soft crumb — totally worth the extra minute!

3️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup softened butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step traps air in the batter, giving your cake that signature soft, cloud-like texture.

💡 Tip: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Cold butter won’t mix properly, and melted butter will make the cake dense.

4️⃣ Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

🔸 Side Tip: Use room-temperature eggs for best results — they incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.

5️⃣ Add Sour Cream and Lemon Juice

Mix in ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until smooth. This adds moisture, richness, and a gentle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

6️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with ½ cup milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition.

💡 Tip: Avoid overmixing — stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of tender.

7️⃣ Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in 2 finely chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

🔸 Side Tip: Chop apples into small, even pieces so they bake evenly and add little bursts of sweetness in every bite.

8️⃣ Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

💡 Tip: If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the last 10 minutes.

9️⃣ Cool and Finish

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

🧁 Pro Tip: Cooling allows the crumb to set properly — cutting it too early can cause it to crumble.

🔟 Dust and Serve

Once cooled (or slightly warm, if you can’t wait!), dust the top with powdered sugar. It’s an easy finishing touch that makes your cake look bakery-perfect.

💬 Baker’s Note:
The first time I baked this, I couldn’t resist slicing into it while it was still warm — and honestly, that’s when it tastes its best. The apples are tender, the crumb is soft, and the cinnamon scent fills the whole kitchen.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Suggested Pairings

This Soft Apple Cake is versatile enough to fit into any part of your day — breakfast, snack, or dessert. Here are a few pairing ideas to make it extra special:

• Drinks: A warm cup of coffee, a comforting black tea, or a chilled glass of milk make perfect companions. For fall vibes, try hot apple cider sprinkled with a pinch of cinnamon.

• Desserts & Extras: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce or a touch of honey.

• Complementary Dishes: This cake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad for brunch, or as dessert after a spiced roast dinner — think pork or chicken with herbs.

• Occasions: Ideal for afternoon tea, kids’ after-school treats, or a cozy movie-night dessert. It’s one of those cakes that always feels right, no matter the occasion.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Soft Apple Cake is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re baking for dietary needs, flavor preferences, or just looking to experiment, there’s a version of this cake for everyone.

Nut-Free Option

If you’re avoiding nuts, simply skip them entirely — this recipe is naturally delicious without them. Stick to the original version as written.
Still craving a bit of texture? Try folding in ¼ cup of toasted oat flakes for a gentle crunch that complements the tender crumb. The oats give a rustic, homey touch without introducing any allergens.

Extra Cinnamon / Spiced Version

For spice lovers, boost the warmth by increasing cinnamon to 1½ teaspoons and adding ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or ground ginger.
Want a deeper flavor? Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts and ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste. Once baked, drizzle a ribbon of warm caramel sauce over the top for that irresistible, bakery-style finish. It’s cozy, aromatic, and perfect for crisp fall evenings.

Gluten-Free Option

To make this cake gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that includes xanthan gum). Keep the baking powder and soda as-is, but check for doneness a few minutes early — gluten-free cakes can bake faster.
The texture may be slightly denser, but adding 1 teaspoon arrowroot or rice flour helps maintain lightness. The result is still beautifully soft and satisfying.

Storage Instructions

Homemade cakes like this Soft Apple Cake taste just as wonderful the next day — if they last that long! Follow these simple storage methods to keep every slice fresh and tender.

Room Temperature Storage

Cover the cooled cake loosely with foil or a cake dome, and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

💡 Tip: Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as butter-based cakes can soften too much in warmth.

Refrigeration Tips

After the first couple of days, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The cake will stay fresh for 4–5 days.
When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or for about an hour on the counter. A short warm-up in the microwave (10–15 seconds) makes it taste like you just baked it.

🧡 Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cake one day early, wrap it tightly, and it’ll taste freshly baked the next day — perfect for gatherings or brunches!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Always use softened butter, not melted — it ensures your batter traps air and bakes light and fluffy.

• Avoid overmixing after adding the flour to prevent a dense texture.

• Chop apples evenly (about ½ inch) so they bake consistently and distribute beautifully.

• Combine tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth of flavor.

• If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

• Test doneness with a toothpick or skewer — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Related Recipes

• Easy Apple Fritters Recipe — golden, cinnamon-apple fritters ready in 20 minutes.

• Easy Apple Pie Biscuits — flaky biscuits stuffed with warm cinnamon-spiced apples.

• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake — a gooey dessert combining cinnamon rolls + apple filling + caramel.

• Pineapple Juice Cake — for a fruity twist on moist cake magic.

• Easy Air Fryer Caramel Apple Wontons Recipe — quick dessert featuring apples in a playful wrapper.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes! Just reduce the added salt by about ¼ teaspoon to keep the flavor balanced.

What apples work best for this Soft Apple Cake?

Firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp hold their shape and deliver that perfect sweet-tart contrast.

Can I make this cake in a 9×13-inch pan?

Absolutely. It will bake thinner, so check at 30–35 minutes instead of 45.

Could I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Definitely! Greek yogurt keeps it moist and adds a subtle tang.

Can I skip the milk?

You could, but milk ensures a tender crumb. If you skip it, replace it with the same amount of yogurt or applesauce.

Conclusion

This Soft Apple Cake is everything you want in a homemade dessert — soft, moist, and filled with comforting apple-cinnamon flavor. It’s simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any occasion, from weekend brunch to after-dinner dessert.

Give it a try today and let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen. 🍎
Leave a comment below, pin this recipe for later, and tell me your favorite apple variety!

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