Name: Fresh Apple Cake – Banana Dessert Recipes Easy and Deliciously Moist
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar; 1½ cups neutral oil (like canola or vegetable); 3 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups diced apples (peeled, any variety); 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This fresh apple cake isn’t just good—it’s the kind of good that makes you cut a second slice before you even finish the first. It’s got this deeply comforting, spiced apple flavor that feels like autumn baked right into a pan. We’re not getting fancy here—just the kind of cozy, no-fuss dessert that reminds me of home. I remember the first time I made this cake. I was trying to use up a few apples sitting on the counter a little too long. You know, the kind that are a bit past their snacking prime. But once they’re folded into a cinnamon-laced batter and baked until golden? Magic. Suddenly, those apples are the star of the show. Whether you’re making this for a potluck, a quiet weekend at home, or just to make your kitchen smell amazing, this apple cake delivers. And it keeps beautifully—if you can manage not to eat it all in one go.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
3) Ingredients for Fresh Apple Cake
4) How to Make Fresh Apple Cake
5) Tips for Making Fresh Apple Cake
6) Making Fresh Apple Cake Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Fresh Apple Cake
8) Try these cakes next!
9) Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Fresh apple cake is a delicious way to use up extra apples
This banana dessert recipes easy favorite is full of fall spices and flavor
Keeps well for days and tastes even better the next day
Easy enough for beginners and cozy enough to impress guests

2) Easy Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

This cake tastes like something Grandma used to bake, but it doesn’t take an entire day to pull together. It’s one of those banana dessert recipes easy enough to make on a weeknight, yet it feels like you went all-out.

What makes it work? It’s the combo of soft, chopped apples and warm cinnamon spice that hits all the right notes. The batter comes together in one bowl, and the texture turns out tender and slightly chewy around the edges. If you’re a fan of quick and easy banana bread recipes, this is a cousin you’ll love.

It’s also super forgiving. Forgot to peel the apples? It’ll still work. No nuts on hand? Skip ’em. This is baking without the fuss. At Elena Cooks, we believe comfort food shouldn’t be complicated, and this cake proves it.

3) Ingredients for Fresh Apple Cake

Sugar: Gives the cake its rich sweetness and a caramelized finish that pairs perfectly with apples.

Neutral Oil: Think canola or vegetable oil. Keeps the cake moist without adding strong flavor.

Eggs: Help bind everything together and add structure to the batter.

Vanilla Extract: Adds that extra note of warmth. Don’t skip it unless you have to.

Diced Apples: Use firm ones. Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are all solid choices.

All-Purpose Flour: Just your basic pantry staple, no fancy flour needed here.

Baking Soda: Gives the cake lift. Don’t confuse it with baking powder.

Kosher Salt: Just a bit balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The dynamic spice duo. Brings that cozy flavor to every bite.

Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a nutty depth if you like a little texture.

4) How to Make Fresh Apple Cake

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Butter a 9×13 baking pan or a bundt pan if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 2. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. No lumps, no stress.

Step 3. Stir in the apples. The batter will get thick and lumpy — that’s a good sign.

Step 4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Classic dry team.

Step 5. Combine the dry mix with the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix — we’re baking cake, not bread.

Step 6. Fold in chopped nuts if using. Pour into the pan and smooth the top.

Step 7. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean. Let cool slightly before slicing.

5) Tips for Making Fresh Apple Cake

Want that perfect texture? Use firm apples. Softer ones like Red Delicious break down too much and get mushy.

If you’re after that banana dessert recipes easy vibe but want a twist, try swapping in pears or mixing apple types for depth.

For richer flavor, toast the nuts lightly before adding them. Trust me, it makes a difference. And if you’re watching sugar, this cake works surprisingly well with half the sugar swapped for unsweetened applesauce.

6) Making Fresh Apple Cake Ahead of Time

You can absolutely make this a day or two ahead. In fact, the flavor deepens after a rest. That hint of cinnamon sneaks into every crumb.

Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It keeps fine on the counter overnight, or pop it in the fridge if you’re planning further ahead.

If you’re feeding a crowd, you could even double the recipe and bake in two pans. Slice, stack, and bring out your inner cake whisperer.

7) Storing Leftover Fresh Apple Cake

Keep leftovers wrapped up at room temp for up to three days. Want it to last longer? Refrigerate it and gently reheat a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

This cake also freezes well. Slice it into portions, wrap each in plastic, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Bonus tip: Top it with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn leftovers into something new and exciting.

8) Try these cakes next!

9) Fresh Apple Cake Recipe