14 Moist Apple Cake Recipes That Smell Like Autumn

Autumn is the perfect season to fill your home with the delicious aroma of apple cakes. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging in the comforts of fall, these moist apple cake recipes will wrap you in warmth and flavor. From classic versions to surprising twists, you’ll find cake recipes that bring all the cozy vibes of autumn to your kitchen.

Classic Cinnamon Apple Cake

Indulge in a timeless favorite with spiced flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups diced apples

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in one bowl. Cream butter and sugar in another, adding eggs and milk.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients, then fold in apples. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add walnuts for a crunchy texture or swap apples for pears.

Caramel Apple Cake

A rich treat that combines the sweetness of caramel with fresh apples.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups grated apples
• Caramel sauce

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt together. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and sour cream.
3. Incorporate dry ingredients and fold in grated apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes and drizzle with caramel.

Make it Unique:
Mix in chocolate chips or top with whipped cream.

Apple Spice Cake with Pecans

Add some crunch with pecans and a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ cups diced apples
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar. In a separate bowl, mix oil and eggs.
3. Mix wet and dry ingredients, adding apples and pecans last. Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add cranberries or replace pecans with walnuts.

Apple Walnut Coffee Cake

Perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat with coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a springform pan.
2. Beat together butter and sugars, then add eggs and milk.
3. Mix dry ingredients, then fold in apples and walnuts. Pour into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Swirl in some cream cheese or use pecans instead of walnuts.

Honeycrisp Apple Pound Cake

A dense and buttery cake filled with delightful apple chunks.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups diced Honeycrisp apples

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
3. Mix in vanilla and gradually blend in flour and salt, folding in apples before pouring into a loaf pan and baking for 60-70 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Replace Honeycrisp with Fuji apples or add a cinnamon swirl.

Apple Cranberry Cake

Discover the tartness of cranberries balanced with sweet apples.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 cup chopped apples
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, and then yogurt.
3. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl, then fold into wet ingredients. Add chopped apples and cranberries before baking for 40-45 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Mix in chopped oranges or use dried cranberries.

Maple Apple Cake

The sweet taste of maple combined with tender apple chunks is a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups diced apples

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. Cream butter and maple syrup in another.
3. Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, then incorporate dry ingredients and apples. Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Use brown sugar instead of maple syrup or add pecans for crunch.

Gluten-Free Apple Almond Cake

Accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 tsp almond extract

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk honey and eggs, then add almond extract.
3. Stir in dry ingredients and apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add dark chocolate chips or replace honey with maple syrup.

Rustic Apple Cake with Streusel Topping

A homey cake that’s sure to please with its crunchy topping.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup rolled oats

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugars. Mix flour, baking soda, and cinnamon in another bowl.
3. Combine both, then fold in apples. For topping, mix oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon with melted butter, and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Drizzle with caramel sauce or add raisins.

Vegan Apple Cake

Deliciously moist and full of flavor without the animal products.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups grated apples

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk almond milk, oil, and maple syrup.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and fold in grated apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add a splash of lemon juice or use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Chocolate Chip Apple Cake

Sweet apples pair perfectly with rich chocolate in this delightful dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups diced apples
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix dry ingredients and fold into the wet mix, adding apples and chocolate chips before baking for 40-45 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Swap chocolate chips for butterscotch chips or add a splash of coffee.

Dutch Apple Cake

A lovely twist on the classic, topped with simple yet flavorful apple slices.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups thinly sliced apples

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Cream butter and mix with eggs and milk.
3. Gradually mix in the flour mixture, pour into the dish, and layer the sliced apples on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Top with a crumb topping or use tart apples for a zingy taste.

Spiced Apple Bundt Cake

An impressive cake perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups diced apples

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a bundt pan.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cream butter and sugar, adding eggs and buttermilk afterward.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in apples, and bake for 40-50 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add a lemon glaze or use coconut sugar for added depth.

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With these 14 moist apple cake recipes, you’re set for a cozy autumn filled with delightful baking adventures. Whether you’re serving them at gatherings or enjoying a slice with coffee at home, each cake brings a special touch of fall warmth. Don’t hesitate to try them all and share your favorites with family and friends! Happy baking!