Apple Pan Cake

Description

Apple Pan Cake is a soft, moist, and comforting dessert loaded with tender cinnamon-spiced apples baked into a fluffy buttery cake. This easy one-pan recipe fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of apples, vanilla, and warm spices. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, brunch, or afternoon coffee, this homemade apple cake is simple, rustic, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients For the Apple Layer

3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

For the Cake Batter

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Topping

Powdered sugar
Caramel drizzle
Chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Prepare Apples

In a bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 3: Make Batter

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Arrange cinnamon apples evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel if desired.

Recipe Notes

Tart apples like Granny Smith balance sweetness beautifully.
The apples soften and caramelize while baking.
Cake stays moist thanks to butter and milk.
Delicious served warm or chilled.

Tips for Best Results

Slice apples thinly for even baking.
Do not overmix the batter.
Add nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Servings

Serves: 10–12

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 180mg

(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Health Benefits

Apples provide fiber and antioxidants.
Homemade desserts contain fewer preservatives than packaged cakes.
Cinnamon adds warm flavor with natural antioxidant properties.
Great comforting treat for gatherings and family meals.
Can be made with less sugar if preferred.

Q&A About Apple Pan Cake

Q: What apples work best?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work wonderfully.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Q: Can I freeze it?

Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the texture will be denser.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I add raisins or nuts?

Absolutely. Walnuts, pecans, or raisins are delicious additions.

Q: What can I serve with this cake?

Whipped cream, ice cream, coffee, or tea pair perfectly.