Introduction: The Sweet Simplicity of Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake
If autumn had a flavor, it would taste like this Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake — warm, buttery, and filled with the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from your grandmother — simple, comforting, and irresistibly nostalgic.
I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago while searching for a fuss-free dessert to make after Sunday dinner. I wanted something with all the goodness of apple pie — but without the rolling, chilling, and fussing over dough. Enter this beauty: the Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake.
It’s the perfect recipe for anyone who loves apple desserts but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You don’t need any fancy equipment or baking skills — just a few pantry staples, some fresh apples, and about 15 minutes of prep. The result? A golden, soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake that tastes like a cross between a French apple tart and a classic coffee cake.
Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, dusted with powdered sugar, or straight from the pan (no judgment here!), this Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake will quickly become your go-to fall dessert.
🍎 Ingredients for Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake
This cake is delightfully simple, yet every ingredient plays an important role in creating that moist, tender crumb and rich apple flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but lovely)
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
Apple Mixture:
- 2 large apples (about 2 cups, peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents browning and brightens flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream or ice cream for serving
🥣 Ingredient Substitutions
Want to make it your way? Here are some easy swaps and adjustments:
- Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp water), and sour cream with coconut yogurt.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Healthier Option: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar.
🍰 Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan (or springform pan) with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Pro Tip: A springform pan makes it easy to lift the cake out and show off those gorgeous apple slices on top!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This step helps the cake rise and gives it that tender texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything mixes evenly.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Add the dry ingredients in two parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix!
The batter will be thick and creamy.
Step 6: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a small bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This simple coating enhances their flavor and helps them caramelize beautifully as they bake.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange half the apple slices on top, then spoon the remaining batter over the apples. Finish with the rest of the apple slices, fanning them slightly for a pretty presentation.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell? Pure heaven — buttery apples, warm spice, and a hint of vanilla.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tip: For a bakery-style finish, brush the top with a little warm apricot jam for a glossy shine!
✨ Extra Tips for the Perfect Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or apple cider glaze for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Cranberry Twist: Add a handful of fresh or dried cranberries for a tart note.
- Caramel Apple Cake: Swirl 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce into the batter before baking.
- French-Style: Use thinly sliced apples arranged in concentric circles for an elegant look.
🥄 Nutritional Information
(Adapted from NYT Cooking’s Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake)
Approximate per serving (1 slice out of 10):
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
This Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake is a treat meant to be shared and savored — a sweet reward for even the simplest of days.
🍎 FAQ Section
How long does the Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake take to make?
From start to finish, about 1 hour — including 15 minutes of prep and 40–45 minutes of baking time.
Can I substitute the apples?
Yes! Pears work beautifully here, or even firm peaches in summer. If using berries, reduce the moisture by tossing them with a tablespoon of flour before adding.
Can I freeze it?
Definitely. Wrap the cooled cake (or slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — this cake tastes even better the next day! The apple flavor intensifies, and the crumb becomes extra tender.
What are the best apples to use?
A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Try Granny Smith for tang and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness.
🎉 Conclusion: Your New Go-To Apple Dessert
The beauty of the Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake lies in its simplicity. No pie crusts, no complicated steps — just the humble charm of apples, butter, and sugar baked to golden perfection.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes any day feel special — from cozy weekends to holiday gatherings. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and nostalgia.
So next time you have a few apples sitting on your counter, skip the pie and whip up this easy, heartwarming cake instead.
If you try this Easy-as-Pie Apple Cake, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag your creation on Instagram — nothing makes me happier than seeing your home-baked happiness. 🍏💛