Oh, apple cake! It just screams cozy, doesn’t it? And if you’re like me, the thought of a mountain of dishes after baking can be a real buzzkill. That’s where this amazing one-bowl homemade apple cake comes in. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver! I must have made this a dozen times already, and every single time, it turns out perfectly moist and bursting with cinnamon-apple goodness. It’s so straightforward, even if you’re still getting the hang of baking, you’ll feel like a total pro. Get ready for your new go-to apple cake!
Why You’ll Love This One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
Seriously, if you’re looking for a cake that’s fuss-free and tastes absolutely divine, this is it! You’re going to adore how simple it is to whip up.
- Minimal Cleanup: The best part? Everything happens in just one bowl, which means way less washing up. Hooray!
- Incredible Flavor: It’s packed with warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and that comforting homemade taste.
- Foolproof Results: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is super forgiving and always comes out delicious.
Quick Preparation for Your One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
You can have the batter ready in about 15 minutes flat. It’s genuinely that fast, making it perfect for when you need a quick treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual coffee break, a family gathering, or even a potluck, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. It feels special without being complicated!
Gathering Your Ingredients for a One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
Alright, let’s get our ingredients together for this magical one-bowl apple cake! It’s really straightforward. First, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, which is the base for our lovely cake. Then, we’ll add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to help it rise and balance the flavors. For that classic fall warmth, grab 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and just a pinch, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Sweetness comes from 1 cup of granulated sugar, and for that rich, tender crumb, we need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened – make sure it’s not melted, just soft enough to press your finger into. Two large eggs are next, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that lovely aroma. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of milk to get the batter just right. Now for the star: 2 cups of chopped apples! I love using about 2 medium apples, and Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are fantastic choices because they hold their shape and have a nice sweet-tart balance. And if you’re feeling fancy, a 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans adds a wonderful crunch. Oh, and for a little extra zing, you can totally add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When it comes to the apples, don’t stress too much! Almost any firm apple works beautifully here. If you don’t have walnuts or pecans, you can just leave the nuts out entirely, and it will still be amazing. The lemon juice is totally optional, but I find it really brightens up the apple flavor, so give it a try if you can!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
Okay, now for the fun part – making this incredible cake! It’s really as simple as it sounds, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Trust me, the one-bowl method is a game-changer.
Preheating and Pan Preparation
First things first, let’s get our oven ready. We need to preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grab your 9-inch round cake pan. Give it a good grease and then a light dusting of flour. This helps make sure your beautiful cake doesn’t stick when it’s time to take it out!
Mixing the Batter
Now, grab your biggest mixing bowl. We’re going to do everything right in here! Start by whisking together the dry ingredients: that’s your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Just give them a quick whisk to make sure they’re all mixed up. Then, plop in the granulated sugar, the softened butter, the two large eggs, and the vanilla extract. Now, mix it all together until it’s *just* combined. Don’t go crazy overmixing here! It might look a little thick or crumbly, and that’s totally fine. Next, gradually add the milk while you mix. Keep going until the batter is smooth and lovely. It should be thick but pourable.
Adding the Apples and Nuts
Time for the star of the show – our chopped apples! Gently fold in the chopped apples. If you’re using nuts, toss those in now too. Just stir them in gently until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want to see those little pops of apple and maybe some nutty bits!
Baking and Cooling Your One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
Carefully pour all that delicious batter into your prepared cake pan. Spread it out evenly so it bakes up nice and flat. Now, pop it into your preheated oven. It’ll need about 35 to 45 minutes. The best way to know it’s done? Stick a wooden skewer or a thin knife right into the center. If it comes out clean, with maybe just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, it’s perfect! If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes. Once it’s done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up a bit. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here – a warm cake can be delicate!
Tips for Baking the Perfect One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
Want your apple cake to be absolutely perfect every single time? A few little tricks really make a difference! First, make sure your butter is truly softened – not melted, but soft enough to easily indent with your finger. This is key for that lovely creamy texture when you mix it with the sugar. Also, don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour and milk; just mix until it’s combined. Overmixing can make the cake a bit tough. When you chop your apples, try to keep the pieces fairly uniform in size, about half an inch. This helps them bake evenly and distribute nicely throughout the cake. And remember that skewer test – a few moist crumbs are good, but wet batter means it needs more time. Trust your senses, and you’ll get a fantastic cake!
Serving and Storing Your Delicious One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
This cake is honestly wonderful all on its own, but a few little extras can make it even more special! It’s perfect for sharing, or just enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to serve this apple cake is slightly warm with a big dollop of fluffy whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s just pure comfort!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Once cooled, you can store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to warm it up, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. It’s like baking it all over again!
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
Got questions about this easy apple cake? I’ve got answers! Making sure you have a great baking experience is my top priority, so let’s clear up anything you might be wondering about.
Q: Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp are my favorites for their texture and sweetness, you can really use whatever firm apples you have on hand. Just make sure they’re chopped into nice, bite-sized pieces.
Q: How long does the cake last?
This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays wonderfully moist!
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you definitely can! Once it’s completely cooled, store it in an airtight container. It’s almost even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before covering it up.
Q: What if I don’t have walnuts or pecans?
No problem at all! The nuts add a nice little crunch, but the cake is absolutely delicious without them. Just leave them out, and nobody will even notice!
Estimated Nutritional Information for One-Bowl Homemade Apple Cake
Here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting in each slice, but remember, these numbers are just estimates! They can change depending on the exact ingredients you use, especially if you add those yummy nuts or serve it with ice cream.
- Calories: About 350
- Fat: Around 15g
- Protein: Roughly 5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50g
- Fiber: About 3g
Amazing One-Bowl Apple Cake: 15 Min Prep
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious apple cake made in a single bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gradually add the milk, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use any type of apple you prefer, such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp.
- For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: apple cake, one-bowl cake, homemade cake, easy cake, cinnamon apple cake, fall dessert