Moist Apple Cake Recipe

The Fluffy, Moist Apple Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a delightful moist apple cake brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will dance through your home as crisp apples mingle with warm spices.

Autumn’s bounty becomes a delectable dessert that promises comfort in every bite.

Soft, tender layers reveal a perfect balance between fruit and fluffy cake texture.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of grandmother’s traditional baking techniques.

Seasonal ingredients combine to create a treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Let this recipe inspire you to embrace baking magic and share deliciousness with those you love.

Must-Have Ingredients For Nigella Moist Apple Cake

Main Ingredients:
  • Apples: Fresh, sweet apples that provide natural moisture and fruity flavor to the cake.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that helps create a rich and tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization during baking.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and helps the cake rise.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides the base structure for the cake.
  • Baking Powder, Salt: Essential for helping the cake rise and balancing flavors.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness.
  • Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the cake's overall flavor profile.

Baking Nigella Moist Apple Cake The Simple Way

Baking Nigella Moist Apple Cake The Simple Way

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 180C (350F) and prepare a cake tin by generously greasing its interior with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your cake won’t stick and comes out perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Mixture

Carefully peel and core the apples. Chop two apples into small cubes and slice the other two into elegant thin pieces. Toss all apple pieces in fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tangy brightness.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, rich foundation for your cake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.

Step 5: Assemble The Cake

Stir the chopped apple pieces into the batter, distributing them evenly. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin. Artfully arrange the sliced apples on top of the batter for a beautiful presentation.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly in the tin. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Slice and enjoy your moist, delectable apple cake warm or at room temperature.

Tricks For Moist Nigella Apple Cake Success

  • Select Ripe Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple pieces in lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, bright appearance.
  • Master Cake Moisture: Fold dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake tender and soft.
  • Create Stunning Presentation: Arrange sliced apple pieces decoratively on top for an elegant, professional-looking finish.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter for those with dietary restrictions.

Unique Twists On Nigella Moist Apple Cake

  • Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Apple Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie content.
  • Spiced Autumn Apple Cake: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom for a warm, seasonal flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas For Nigella Moist Apple Cake

  • Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm apple cake, creating a delightful contrast between the hot cake and cold, smooth dessert.
  • Complement with Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the cake's sweetness by drizzling rich, golden caramel sauce over each slice, intensifying the apple and butter flavors.
  • Match with Cinnamon Tea: Brew a hot cup of fragrant cinnamon tea that echoes the warm spices in the cake, providing a comforting and aromatic beverage experience.
  • Select Calvados Digestif: Conclude the meal with a small glass of Calvados, a French apple brandy that beautifully mirrors the cake's apple essence and provides a sophisticated finish.

Storing Nigella Moist Apple Cake Without Drying Out

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep cake at room temperature for optimal moisture.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to prevent drying out. Add a small piece of damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  • Warm slices at 150C (300F) for 5-7 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain cake's softness.

Common Questions About Nigella Moist Apple Cake

  • Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great. Each variety brings a unique flavor and texture to the cake.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! The steps are simple and straightforward. With basic baking skills, you’ll easily create a delicious apple cake.

  • How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a slightly firm center. Insert a toothpick in the middle – if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement to maintain the cake’s texture.

What Makes Nigella Moist Apple Cake Stand Out

What Makes Nigella Moist Apple Cake Stand Out
  • Savor Homemade Comfort: This apple cake brings warmth and nostalgia with its tender crumb and fresh fruit bursting through every slice.
  • Master Simple Baking: Beginner bakers can confidently tackle this recipe with straightforward steps and basic kitchen tools, ensuring success without stress.
  • Celebrate Versatile Dessert: Perfect for casual family gatherings, afternoon tea, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings, this cake adapts to any occasion with delightful charm.
  • Transform Seasonal Apples: Utilize fresh orchard apples or pantry staples to create a delicious dessert that highlights the fruit's natural sweetness and texture.
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Moist Apple Cake Recipe

Moist Apple Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 60-65 mins
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade “Classic Apple Cake” brings warm comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen, blending sweet orchard apples with delicate spices. Rustic and inviting, this simple dessert promises pure delight you can savor with loved ones.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 4 medium apples

Dairy and Fats:

  • 200 grams (7 ounces) butter

Dry and Wet Ingredients:

  • 200 grams (7 ounces) sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 200 grams (7 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 180°C (350°F) and thoroughly coat a cake tin with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Carefully peel and core the apples, creating two distinct textures: finely chop two apples and thinly slice the remaining two, then gently toss all pieces in fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring smooth integration after each addition.
  4. Sift together all dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then delicately fold into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
  5. Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution, then transfer the mixture to the prepared cake tin and artfully arrange the sliced apples on top.
  6. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a slight firmness when gently touched.
  7. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and slice to serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for best texture and balanced sweetness.
  • Toss apple pieces in lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent browning and enhance flavor complexity.
  • Consider reducing sugar by 2-3 tablespoons if using sweeter apple varieties to maintain balanced taste profile.
  • Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the cake’s warm, comforting notes without overwhelming the apple essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45-50 mins
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 345 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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