Easy Apple Cake: 5-Minute Prep
This Easy Apple Cake truly lives up to its name, requiring just 5 minutes of prep time to create a wonderfully moist, tender, and flavorful dessert. Packed with diced apples and fragrant spices, this cake is a comforting treat perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a festive gathering.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups diced apples (peeled and cored – about 3 medium apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
Optional Topping:
Chopped walnuts or pecans
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 3 lightly beaten large eggs, 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter), and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. The batter will be quite thick, which is normal for this type of cake. Fold in the 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you are using nuts, you can either fold the 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them over the top once the batter is in the pan.
Step 5: Bake Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool and Serve Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Then, using the parchment paper if you lined the pan, carefully lift the cake out and transfer it directly to the wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving. Alternatively, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cake
Unbelievably Quick & Easy – Just 5 minutes of prep and no fancy equipment needed.
Incredibly Moist & Tender – Thanks to the oil and juicy apples, every bite is soft and satisfying.
Loaded with Flavor – Cinnamon-spiced apples create the perfect cozy flavor without being overly sweet.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic – It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet delicious enough for a holiday dessert table.
Customizable – Add nuts, swap apples, or top with whipped cream or ice cream for your own twist.
No Frosting Needed – A light dusting of powdered sugar is all it takes to finish it beautifully.
Conclusion
This Easy Apple Cake is proof that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. With wholesome, everyday ingredients and only a few simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like a warm hug from grandma. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or sharing it at a potluck, this cake is always a hit. Keep it in your recipe box—you’ll reach for it again and again!