Imagine the cozy spiced aroma of apple pie filling your kitchen—but instead of wrestling with pastry, you’re stirring a simple batter. This Apple Pie Cake delivers all the nostalgic comfort of classic apple pie—tender cinnamon-spiced apples baked into a moist, buttery cake, topped with a crunchy streusel and drizzled with caramel or vanilla glaze.
Baked Goods
It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or any day you crave a slice of home. And best of all? No rolling pin required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍎 Tastes like apple pie—easier than pie!
- 💛 Moist, tender crumb with juicy apple pockets
- ⏱️ 20 minutes prep, then bake
- 💸 Costs under $8—feeds 9–12 generously
- 🌾 Naturally nut-free & easily gluten-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
(9×13-inch baking pan)
Herbs & Spices
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 3 cups (450g) peeled & finely diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
💡 Pro Tips:
- Toss apples in 1 tbsp flour—prevents sinking.
- Room-temperature ingredients ensure even mixing.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour—keeps cake tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Spiced, Juicy, Foolproof)
1. Make the Streusel
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- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Herbs & Spices
2. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
3. Make the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 mins).
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in diced apples (tossed in flour).
4. Bake to Perfection
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- Spread batter evenly in pan.
- Sprinkle streusel topping generously over the top.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Cool 15 minutes before slicing.
Food
Serving Suggestions
- ☕ Classic: With coffee or spiced chai
- 🍦 Decadent: Warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle
- 🍯 Brunch favorite: With maple syrup and whipped cream
- 🎁 Gift idea: Cut into squares and wrap in parchment—perfect for neighbors
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Keeps covered up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Up to 5 days—great for meal prep.
- Freeze: Wrap slices tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
