Slice of Soft apple cake recipe dusted with sugar

Soft Apple Cake Recipe – Light, Moist & Ready in No Time

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Introduction

Few things in the kitchen smell as comforting as a freshly soft apple cake recipe. The warmth of butter, the sweet aroma of caramelized apples, and that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture — it’s the very definition of cozy baking.

This soft apple cake recipe is perfect when you have a few apples left at the end of the week and want to turn them into something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s incredibly easy, quick to prepare, and uses simple ingredients you already have at home.

The result? A moist, fluffy cake that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. Whether you serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this apple cake will become your new go-to dessert.

Ingredients for soft apple cake recipe(Serves 8)

  • 4 medium apples (Golden or Gala recommended)

  • 170 g all-purpose flour

  • 3 eggs (separated)

  • 180 g powdered sugar

  • 125 g softened butter (plus extra for greasing)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • ½ packet (about 8 g) baking powder

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1 pinch of salt

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for finishing)

  • A bit of extra flour for dusting the pan

Preparation

Mixing diced apples into soft apple cake batter
Apples folded into creamy cake batter

Step 1: Make the Batter Base

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Separate the egg yolks from the whites.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and pale. This step ensures the cake’s texture stays soft and airy.

Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sift the flour with the baking powder, then fold it gently into the butter mixture.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
Add one spoonful of the whipped egg whites to the batter to lighten it, then carefully fold in the rest using a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent browning, then fold them gently into the batter.

Step 4: Bake

Grease and flour a springform pan (about 24 cm in diameter). Pour in the batter, smooth the surface, and sprinkle the top with a tablespoon of granulated sugar.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect soft apple cake recipe

  • Use the right apples: Golden Delicious, Gala, or Pink Lady varieties are ideal — they’re sweet and hold their shape while baking.

  • Don’t overmix: Gentle folding keeps the cake light and fluffy.

  • Add a twist: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the apple flavor beautifully.

  • Room temperature ingredients: Butter and eggs at room temp blend better and yield a softer crumb.

Variations You’ll Love

🍏 Yogurt Apple Cake

Add 100 g of plain Greek yogurt to the batter for extra moisture. It makes the cake incredibly creamy and tender.

🍎 Almond Apple Cake

Replace 50 g of flour with almond meal for a nutty aroma and denser texture. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.

🍯 Caramel Apple Cake

Drizzle homemade caramel (or salted caramel) over the top just before baking. The result? A gooey, toffee-like crust that’s absolutely divine.

🍌 Apple-Banana Cake

Replace one apple with a mashed banana for a sweeter, more tropical twist — perfect for breakfast or snacks.

🍍 Apple-Pineapple Cake

Add ½ cup of diced fresh or canned pineapple (reduce the sugar slightly) for a tangy, fruity version that stays moist for days.

How to Make It Gluten-Free or Lighter

  • For a gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

  • For a sugar-reduced version: Replace half of the powdered sugar with stevia or erythritol.

  • For a lighter texture: Use half butter and half plain yogurt.

How to Store Your Apple Cake

Homemade apple cakes are best enjoyed within two days, but you can easily store leftovers:

  • At room temperature: Keep the cake covered with a dome or cloth for up to 24 hours.

  • In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezing option: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for 10 minutes.

👉 Tip: Don’t slice the cake until you’re ready to serve — cutting too early will dry it out.

Pairing Ideas

  • With coffee or tea: A perfect afternoon snack.

  • With whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Turns it into a luxurious dessert.

  • With honey drizzle or caramel sauce: For a gourmet twist at dinner parties.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 265 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 34 g

  • Protein: 5 g

  • Fat: 12 g

  • Sugar: 21 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

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Conclusion

This soft apple cake recipe captures everything we love about homemade desserts — warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia.
It’s easy enough for beginners yet elegant enough to impress at any gathering.

Whether you serve it as a Sunday treat, a tea-time snack, or a sweet breakfast, its soft texture and delicate apple flavor make it irresistible every single time. 🍏