Mix Everything and Bake! The Most Tender Apple Cake in 15 Minutes

ByEmily Cake
The Most Tender Apple Cake in 15 Minutes

There’s something magical about a homemade apple cake that fills your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. This incredibly tender apple cake comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it the perfect solution for unexpected guests or a cozy family dessert. The secret lies in its simple mixing method and the delightful crumb topping that creates a golden, crispy layer over soft, spiced apples. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced baker, this foolproof recipe will quickly become your go-to apple cake that everyone asks for again and again.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (70ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (130g) sour cream
  • 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder

For the Apple Layer:

  • 3-4 medium apples
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
  • Ground cinnamon to taste (optional)

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 3 tablespoons (50g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (40g) cold butter

Instructions

Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, salt, and vanilla sugar. Add the granulated sugar and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Add Oil and Sour Cream: Pour in the vegetable oil and add the sour cream to the egg mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until everything is well combined and smooth.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish thoroughly with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into thin slices or small cubes, depending on your preference. Toss the apple pieces with 1 tablespoon of sugar and cinnamon to taste.

Assemble the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Arrange the seasoned apple slices on top of the batter, distributing them evenly across the surface.

Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crumb topping. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a fork, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Add the Topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface of the cake.

Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 356°F (180°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Slice and serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Time & Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Nutrition (Per Slice)

Calories: 245 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g

Why This Recipe Is Good For You

This apple cake strikes a wonderful balance between indulgence and nutrition. Apples are packed with dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. They’re also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immunity and protect cells from damage. The sour cream adds protein and calcium while creating an incredibly moist texture. Using vegetable oil instead of solid fats makes the cake lighter and provides heart-healthy unsaturated fats. The eggs contribute high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and B vitamins. While this is still a dessert to be enjoyed in moderation, it contains real fruit and wholesome ingredients that make it a better choice than many store-bought alternatives. The homemade crumb topping adds delightful texture without artificial additives or preservatives.