Rustic Apple Cake

This Rustic Apple Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like home. With tender apple chunks baked right into a moist, golden cake and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s simple, unfussy, and full of cozy farmhouse charm.

Unlike frosted layer cakes, this apple cake doesn’t need dressing up. The apples themselves do the work — soft, juicy, and naturally sweet. It’s the perfect treat to bake when apple season arrives, filling the kitchen with warm aromas of fruit and spice.

Serve it warm with coffee, cut into wedges for an afternoon snack, or enjoy a slice as a simple dessert after dinner. With every bite, this old-fashioned apple cake brings back the nostalgia of fall harvests and family gatherings.

Variations

• German Apple Cake Style: Arrange apple slices in a spiral on top before baking.
• Apple-Walnut Cake: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts to batter.
• Apple-Cranberry Cake: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries for holiday flair.

Substitutions

• Butter: Use vegetable oil for a softer crumb.
• Sour Cream: Replace with buttermilk or Greek yogurt.
• Apples: Pears can be swapped in for a milder fruit flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s rustic, simple, and naturally beautiful without frosting or glaze. This cake proves that a handful of wholesome ingredients can create a timeless dessert.

FAQs

Q: Can I bake this apple cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake a day ahead and keep covered at room temp.

Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: Peeling is recommended for tenderness, but leaving the skin adds rustic texture.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Jana Rae

Rustic Apple Cake

Rustic Apple Cake with tender apples baked in a golden sponge, dusted with powdered sugar. A cozy farmhouse dessert for fall gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 285

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Get ingredients with

Get Recipe Ingredients

Method

 

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in sour cream.
4. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk until smooth.
5. Gently stir diced apples into batter.
6. Pour into pan, smoothing top. Bake 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and slice into wedges.

Notes

Recipe Notes

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for best texture.
• Cake tastes even better the next day as the apple flavor deepens.
• Serve plain or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.