Grandma's Apple Cake
A delightfully moist and comforting rustic apple cake packed with tender chunks of fresh fruit and a hint of warm cinnamon.
Ingredients
- •3 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 cups)
- •2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- •2 teaspoons baking powder
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- •1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115g)
- •2 large eggs, at room temperature
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1/2 cup whole milk (120ml)
- •1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9-inch round springform or cake pan with butter.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- 4
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 5
Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- 6
Gently fold the diced apples into the thick batter with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- 7
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- 8
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- 9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10
Dust the top with powdered sugar just before slicing and serving.
💡 Chef tips
- Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn so they hold their shape and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet batter.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days; it actually tastes even more moist on the second day.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and heavier texture.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished cake has a golden-brown, lightly cracked crust, a tender and moist crumb studded with soft apples, and fills the kitchen with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced aroma.