Save The kitchen smelled like cinnamon and hope when I first attempted this Dutch-inspired apple cake on a gray Sunday morning. I had been craving something warm and comforting but didnt want the fuss of flipping pancakes or standing over a stove. This cake came out of the oven golden and fragrant, and my roommate wandered in asking what bakery had opened in our apartment.
Last autumn I made this for a brunch gathering and watched my friend literally scrape the serving dish clean with her fork. She asked for the recipe before she even finished her last bite, and now it is her go-to whenever she needs to impress weekend guests without actually trying too hard.
Ingredients
- 3 large apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape beautifully and provide the perfect tart sweetness balance
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples from turning brown and adds a bright note that cuts through the sweetness
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the tender cake crumb
- 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Work together to give the cake a gentle rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: The classic spice combination that makes everything taste like home
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup brown sugar: Using both sugars gives depth of flavor and a lovely golden color
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates a tender, moist crumb
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds essential fat for flavor and texture
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and adds warmth
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for topping: Creates a fragrant, crunchy cinnamon sugar layer on top
Instructions
- Prepare your oven and pan:
- Preheat to 350°F and generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks.
- Prep the apples:
- Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl to keep them fresh and bright.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
- Make the batter base:
- Whisk the sugars and eggs until smooth, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla until fully combined.
- Combine everything:
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined, then gently fold in the prepared apples.
- Add the cinnamon topping:
- Pour the batter into your prepared dish and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the top.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 40 minutes until the cake is golden and a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
Save My grandmother used to say that recipes like this are what turn a house into a home. The first time I served this warm from the oven with a dollop of crème fraîche, I understood exactly what she meant.
Choosing Your Apples
I have tested this with various apple combinations and found that mixing a tart apple with a sweet one gives the most complex flavor. The apples soften but retain enough structure to create lovely pockets throughout the cake rather than disappearing completely.
Make Ahead Tips
This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them in the morning for fresh baked aroma with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions
While this is perfect on its own warm from the oven, I love serving it with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, a simple drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds just the right touch of extra sweetness.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look bakery beautiful
- Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave for 30 seconds
Save There is something deeply satisfying about a cake that requires no special skills yet delivers such comfort and joy. I hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again.
Cooking Questions
- → What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work beautifully because they hold their shape during baking while providing a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The baked cake stores covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
- → Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely. A handful of raisins, chopped walnuts, or pecans folded into the batter adds lovely texture and complementary flavors.
- → How do I know when it's done baking?
The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, typically around 40 minutes at 350°F.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the whole milk with oat or almond milk and use vegan butter instead of dairy butter. The texture remains just as delicious.
- → What's the best way to serve this?
Enjoy it warm from the oven with powdered sugar dusted on top, or add a dollop of crème fraîche, whipped cream, or vanilla yogurt for extra richness.