This classic old-fashioned apple cake uses fresh apples for a moist, tender crumb studded with fruity chunks and warm spice. It’s comforting and full of flavor, perfect any time of year—especially during apple season, Thanksgiving, or a cozy afternoon with tea or a scoop of ice cream.
The Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake is simple to make and relies on basic ingredients: fresh apples, all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon zest, milk and eggs. The combination of vanilla, cinnamon and lemon zest brightens the cake and complements the apples beautifully.
If you love apple desserts, this cake fits right in with favorites like homemade apple pie or tarte tatin. It’s excellent for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack.
Table of Contents
- The Perfect Recipe For Apple Season
- Best Apples For Apple Cake
- Watch How To Make Fresh Apple Cake
- Ingredients For Fresh Apple Cake
- How To Make Apple Cake With Fresh Apples
- Success Tips For The Best Apple Cake!
- More Delicious Treats For Thanksgiving
- Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
The Perfect Recipe For Apple Season
When apples are abundant, this cake is a great way to use them. The recipe highlights the fruit without overwhelming it—apple chunks remain pleasantly soft yet distinct inside the cake. It’s a versatile recipe that works with several apple varieties and adapts well to breakfast, dessert, or holiday menus.
Best Apples For Apple Cake
Choose apples that keep their shape when baked. Honeycrisp is a top pick for its firmness and sweet-tart balance. Granny Smith is another excellent option if you prefer a tarter bite. Both give good texture and flavor in a cake made with apple chunks.
Watch How To Make Fresh Apple Cake
This fresh apple cake comes together easily. If you prefer visual guidance, there is a video demonstration showing the full process from prepping apples to the finished cake.
Ingredients For Fresh Apple Cake
The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly:
- Apples: 2–3 apples, cored, peeled and chopped (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended).
- Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (softened).
- Sugar: 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon for brightness.
- Milk: 1 cup whole milk (or evaporated milk for richer flavor).
- Eggs: 3 eggs.
- Baking powder and salt: 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Icing sugar: A light dusting for serving.
For exact measurements and a printable recipe card, see the recipe section below.
How To Make Apple Cake With Fresh Apples
Follow these simple steps to bake the cake:
1. Core, peel and chop the apples into 1-inch pieces. Toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and oil a 9-inch baking pan.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer speeds this step.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating lightly after each addition. Stir in the milk, vanilla, lemon zest and cinnamon.
5. Add the flour, baking powder and salt to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Gently fold the floured apple chunks into the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the top.
8. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be a light brown color when done—this keeps it moist. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
9. Once cooled slightly, dust the top with icing sugar for a pretty finish.
10. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
The finished cake is tender and flavorful, with apple pieces throughout. It’s a family favorite that’s especially welcome on chilly mornings or holiday dessert tables.
Success Tips For The Best Apple Cake!
- If you prefer a smoother texture, shred the apples instead of chopping them.
- Remove the cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to keep it moist.
- Do not over-beat the eggs and avoid over-mixing the batter—mix only until ingredients are combined.
- If you need visual clarification, consult the recipe video for step-by-step guidance.
This old-fashioned fresh apple cake is easy, reliable, and delicious—give it a try and enjoy the warm spice and bright apple flavor. Let me know how it turns out!
More Delicious Treats For Thanksgiving
-
Pumpkin Roll Cake
-
Homemade Apple Pie
-
Tarte Tatin
-
Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Other notable cake recipes you might enjoy include carrot cake, classic chocolate cake, and mango upside-down cake.
*This recipe has been updated.
If you try the recipe, share a photo on social media—tagging the author is encouraged for feedback and photos.
Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
- 2–3 apples, cored, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from one lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar (150 g)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (113 g)
- 2 tablespoons flour (to coat apples)
- 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Oil a 9-inch baking pan and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the chopped apples and toss to coat; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Stir in the milk, vanilla, lemon zest and cinnamon.
- Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped apples gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.