Old-Fashioned Apple Cake That’s Pure Comfort | Sweet Easy Recipes
This apple cake is like a warm hug on a cool fall afternoon. We’re talking tender chunks of apple, a cinnamon-kissed crumb, and a top that gets just the right kind of crisp in the oven. No fancy gadgets. No weird ingredients. Just a mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, and a house that suddenly smells like home.
I still remember my first slice—sitting at my grandma’s table, sneaking an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream on top when no one was looking. If nostalgia had a flavor, this would be it. Every bite is soft, moist, and packed with apples that stay juicy even after baking. It’s not trying to be impressive. It just is.
This is one of those easy cake recipes that ends up looking like you worked way harder than you did. And hey, we’re not here to correct anyone’s assumptions. From Sunday family dinners to last-minute potlucks, this one always gets requests. It’s the kind of dessert you make once and then keep coming back to.
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.