Transform your kitchen into a bakery with this incredibly easy apple cake that takes just 5 minutes to prepare! This moist, tender cake bursts with juicy apple chunks and warm cinnamon flavors, finished with a glossy brown sugar glaze that creates the perfect golden crust. Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon treat or need an impressive dessert for guests, this foolproof recipe delivers bakery-quality results every single time.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla sugar
- 2/3 cup (130g/4.6 oz) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml/2.7 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup (150ml/5 fl oz) milk
- 1¾ cups (210g/7.4 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (10g) baking powder
- 2-3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
- Cinnamon to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup (40g/1.4 oz) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 180°C (356°F/Gas Mark 4). Grease a 23×11 cm (9×4 inch) loaf pan.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Gradually mix in vegetable oil and milk until completely incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add to the wet mixture and stir until just combined – don’t overmix.
- Prepare apples: Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. Toss with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and cinnamon to taste.
- Fold in apples: Gently fold the seasoned apple pieces into the cake batter.
- First bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: While cake bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add brown sugar and lemon juice, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
- Apply glaze: Remove cake from oven and immediately brush the hot glaze all over the surface.
- Final bake: Return glazed cake to oven for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and glossy.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
Why This Apple Cake Recipe is So Good and Healthy
This delightful apple cake offers the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition, making it a guilt-free treat you can enjoy any time of day. Fresh apples provide essential fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion. The cake’s moist texture comes from the perfect ratio of milk and oil, while the eggs contribute high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Unlike many dense cakes, this recipe creates a light, fluffy texture that won’t leave you feeling heavy. The natural sweetness from apples allows you to use less added sugar, while the cinnamon provides anti-inflammatory benefits and helps regulate blood sugar levels. This homemade cake contains no artificial preservatives or additives, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought desserts that’s perfect for families seeking wholesome, satisfying treats.