Save There's something deeply satisfying about standing at the counter with a bowl full of cinnamon scented apples, knowing that in less than an hour the entire house will smell like a cozy Dutch bakery. My first attempt at this cake happened on a rainy Sunday morning when pancakes felt like too much work but I still wanted something special for breakfast.
I served this to my sister during a particularly chaotic week when she was moving apartments. She showed up with a single bag of groceries and left with a full container of leftover cake, texting me later that she ate it cold straight from the container while standing in her half empty kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 large apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape beautifully and provide the perfect balance of tartness against the sweet batter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A quick toss prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright note that cuts through the richness
- 2 cups all purpose flour: The foundation that gives this cake enough structure to hold all those apple slices
- 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: The dual leavening agents ensure the cake rises properly and stays tender
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and letting the spices shine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: This warm spice combo transforms simple ingredients into something nostalgic
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup brown sugar: The granulated sugar sweetens the cake while brown sugar adds subtle caramel depth
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together into a cohesive batter
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates a tender crumb and keeps the cake soft even after cooling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Adds richness and that irresistible buttery flavor that makes this feel like a special treat
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes all the difference here so dont be tempted to use imitation
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for topping: Creates a sweet spiced crust that makes this cake absolutely gorgeous
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish
- Prepare the apples:
- Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl to keep them fresh and bright
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- Whisk together flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon and nutmeg until well combined
- Make the wet mixture:
- Whisk both sugars and eggs until smooth then add milk melted butter and vanilla until fully incorporated
- Combine everything:
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined then gently fold in the prepared apples
- Assemble and bake:
- Pour batter into your prepared dish smooth the top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping then bake for 40 minutes until golden
Save 
Save This cake has become my go to when friends need comfort food. One memorable morning my neighbor came over for coffee after receiving some difficult news and somehow this warm spiced cake said everything words couldnt.
Making It Your Own
Ive discovered that adding a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts right before baking adds lovely texture and variety. The fruit plumps up beautifully and nuts provide a satisfying crunch against the soft cake.
Serving Suggestions
While this cake is perfect on its own warm from the oven a dollop of crème fraîche or vanilla yogurt takes it to restaurant quality levels. The slight tang of cultured cream balances the sweetness perfectly.
Storage And Reheating
This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld and the apples soften further. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over servings right before plating for a bakery finish
- Try it with a cup of spiced tea for an afternoon break
- Leftovers make an excellent breakfast when warmed through
Save 
Save Theres nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon and apples drifting through the house on a quiet morning.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape during baking while providing a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. Other firm varieties like Braeburn or Jonagold also work well.
- → Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the batter and apples the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy milk. Replace the melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter in equal amounts. The texture remains wonderfully moist.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Fold in a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped walnuts and pecans with the apples. You could also add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the dry ingredients, or replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- → Is this served warm or cold?
It's best served warm, fresh from the oven, but also delicious at room temperature. The spices become more pronounced as it cools slightly. If serving chilled leftovers, a quick reheat restores that wonderful soft texture.