The rich aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg fills your kitchen as this Moist Spiced Apple Cake bakes to perfection. Chunks of tender apple add a sweet, juicy surprise in every bite, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea.
No mixer? No problem. This cake comes together effortlessly with just a bowl and a spoon. Its golden top, sprinkled with almonds and a light dusting of icing sugar, makes it as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Full Recipe:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (approx. 2 large apples)
Optional: 1/2 cup flaked almonds (for topping)
Icing sugar, for dusting
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9″ springform cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, whisk together oil and sugar until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon until just combined.
Fold in chopped apples. (Optional: Add 3/4 cup chopped walnuts for extra crunch.)
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle with flaked almonds.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 403 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Magic of a Homemade Apple Cake
There’s something universally comforting about the smell of a spiced apple cake baking in the oven. As the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fills the air, it evokes memories of crisp fall mornings, cozy sweaters, and the warmth of a bustling kitchen. Among the countless desserts available to modern home bakers, the humble apple cake stands out—not for its complexity, but for its simplicity and heartwarming appeal. The Moist Spiced Apple Cake is one such recipe that champions both ease and flavor.
This cake isn’t just another apple dessert. It’s a beautifully moist, richly spiced, and utterly satisfying experience. With no need for an electric mixer and a fuss-free batter, it’s a perfect recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
A Recipe with Heart and History
This particular apple cake recipe comes from a cherished reader of a renowned food blog. Its origin story is part of what makes it so special. Shared by a lovely home baker named Dorothy from Tennessee, this recipe was passed along during a serendipitous moment—just after the blog author had experienced a baking fail with another apple cake attempt.
It’s a testament to the beauty of community-driven cooking, where recipes become legacies and a simple gesture of sharing can spark new family favorites around the world. The Moist Spiced Apple Cake is now one of those beloved recipes, celebrated not just for how it tastes, but for the story behind it.
A Cake That Lets the Apples Shine
One of the most important features of this cake is that it uses fresh apples—and only fresh apples. Unlike some recipes that use canned apples or applesauce, this cake relies on real, chopped apples to deliver moisture, flavor, and texture. The apples break down slightly as the cake bakes, creating little pockets of juicy sweetness in each bite.
Tart varieties like Granny Smith work beautifully here. Their acidity balances the sweetness of the cake and holds up well during baking. Avoid overly sweet or mushy apples, as they may not give the same texture or flavor depth.
What’s especially appealing is how the apple pieces are chopped rather than grated. Grating apples, while convenient, can often lead to a wetter batter and a denser result. Chopping the apples ensures you get bursts of fruit in every bite without sacrificing the cake’s structure or consistency.
The Role of Warm Spices
The soul of this apple cake is its blend of classic warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Each plays a distinct role. Cinnamon brings that familiar warmth that instantly says “home.” Nutmeg adds a touch of earthiness and depth, while cloves introduce a rich, slightly sweet pungency that lingers.
Together, these spices elevate the apple flavor without overpowering it. The result is balanced and aromatic—a cake that’s flavorful, but not overwhelming. It’s the kind of dessert that’s just as at home on a holiday table as it is with a cup of coffee on a Tuesday afternoon.
Texture: Moist, Tender, and Irresistible
If you’ve ever made a cake that turned out dry or crumbly, this recipe will be a revelation. The texture of the Moist Spiced Apple Cake is exactly what the name promises—moist and tender with just the right density. The use of vegetable oil instead of butter might surprise some traditional bakers, but this swap is key.
Oil creates a more uniformly moist crumb and keeps the cake from drying out over time. In fact, this cake gets even better a day after baking, as the flavors meld and the moisture distributes more evenly. The chopped apples contribute additional juiciness, while the crumb stays soft and slightly springy.
Optional toppings like flaked almonds add a delicate crunch to contrast with the soft interior. A simple dusting of icing sugar finishes it off, making it look just as good as it tastes.
Baking Made Easy for Everyone
One of the standout features of this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. No mixer? No problem. This cake comes together with just two bowls, a whisk, and a wooden spoon. You mix the dry ingredients, whisk the wet ingredients, combine, fold in the apples, and bake. That’s it.
The simplicity of the process makes it ideal for novice bakers or those short on time. It’s also a fantastic “starter cake” for kids learning to bake. No creaming of butter, no separating eggs, no fussy techniques—just simple, wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps.
This ease doesn’t mean the results are average—far from it. The final cake is impressive enough to serve to guests, yet rustic and homey enough to be a casual family treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This apple cake is incredibly versatile. Its warm spices and fruit-forward profile make it a natural fit for autumn and winter, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy it year-round. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy a slice with a cup of tea for a cozy mid-morning break.
It’s also ideal for gatherings. Bake it for potlucks, brunches, or birthdays. The cake transports well and can be made a day ahead, making it a stress-free option when you need something crowd-pleasing and reliable.
If you want to dress it up, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle it with a light caramel sauce. Or keep it simple and let the cake speak for itself. Either way, it never disappoints.
Storage and Freezing Tips
The cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to three days, especially if stored in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it if your kitchen runs warm. And yes, it freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature, and you’re back in cozy cake heaven.
This makes it a great make-ahead option for holidays or busy weeks when you still want to have something homemade on hand for guests or personal indulgence.
Customizations and Add-Ins
The base recipe is delicious on its own, but it also provides a great canvas for customizations. Here are some ideas:
Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans are a fantastic addition, adding crunch and richness.
Use brown sugar: For a deeper caramel-like flavor, try substituting part or all of the white sugar with light brown sugar.
Top with streusel: A simple crumble topping can give this cake an extra bakery-style touch.
Make it dairy-free: Since the recipe already uses oil, it’s naturally dairy-free unless you serve it with whipped cream or ice cream.
Add citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavor and add a refreshing twist.
The adaptability of this cake means it’s one you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re following the original or trying something new.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Keeping Forever
The Moist Spiced Apple Cake is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of what home baking is all about. It’s warm, inviting, and made with love. It reminds us that great desserts don’t need to be complicated to be memorable. Sometimes, all it takes is fresh apples, a few pantry staples, and a touch of spice to create something truly special.
Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a quiet moment with a slice of cake and a warm drink, this apple cake is sure to become a cherished favorite. It’s not just food—it’s comfort, tradition, and joy in every bite.