There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of apple cake filling your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. Whether you’re craving a classic cinnamon-spiced treat or something with an unexpected twist, these 24 moist apple cake variations will transform your baking routine. Get ready to discover new favorites that are perfect for cozy weekends, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a little slice of comfort.
Classic Spiced Moist Apple Cake
Just when you need cozy comfort, this spiced apple cake delivers. Juicy apples and warm spices create a moist, tender crumb that’s perfect with coffee or as dessert. It comes together quickly with pantry staples.
Ingredients
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup of buttermilk
– 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
– A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Slowly pour in vegetable oil while mixing to emulsify the batter.
5. Stir in buttermilk until just combined.
6. Tip: Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients to avoid a tough cake.
7. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain.
8. Fold in the chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
12. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
13. Tip: Cool completely before slicing to maintain structure.
Aromatic and tender, this cake stays moist for days thanks to the apples. The spice blend warms each bite without overpowering. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or toasted for breakfast.
Caramel Glazed Moist Apple Bundt Cake
Dense, moist apple cake gets even better with a glossy caramel glaze. This bundt version delivers warm spice flavors and tender crumb in every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients
– 3 cups of all-purpose flour
– 2 cups of granulated sugar
– 1 cup of vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup of buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of baking soda
– 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
– A pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
– 1 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 10-cup bundt pan with baking spray.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, beat sugar and oil until combined, about 1 minute.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with flour.
7. Fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed.
8. Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
11. For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
12. Whisk in brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes until bubbling.
13. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute until smooth.
14. Drizzle warm glaze over the completely cooled cake.
Perfectly moist with tender apple pieces throughout, this cake stays fresh for days. The caramel glaze adds a sweet, buttery contrast to the spiced crumb. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoy slices with your morning coffee.
Nutty Streusel Topped Moist Apple Cake
Oozing with cozy autumn vibes, this nutty apple cake delivers serious comfort food energy. It’s the kind of simple, one-bowl wonder that fills your kitchen with the most incredible cinnamon-spiced aroma while baking. You’ll want to eat it warm from the oven with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top.
Ingredients
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup of buttermilk
– 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup of chopped walnuts
– 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon of baking soda
– A pinch of salt
– A splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar until smooth and pale.
4. Stream in vegetable oil while continuing to mix.
5. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Tip: Use room temperature eggs for better emulsion and a more even crumb.
7. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
8. Gently stir in chopped apples until evenly distributed.
9. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
10. In a small bowl, mix chopped walnuts with 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
11. Sprinkle the walnut streusel mixture evenly over the cake batter.
12. Tip: Press the streusel lightly into the batter so it adheres during baking.
13. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
14. Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
15. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Keep this cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, though it’s unlikely to last that long. The tender crumb stays remarkably moist thanks to the apples, while the walnut streusel adds satisfying crunch to every bite. Try serving it slightly warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Gluten-Free Moist Apple Cake Surprise
Unbelievably moist and packed with cozy autumn vibes, this gluten-free apple cake delivers a delightful surprise in every bite. Using simple pantry staples, it comes together quickly for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests. The secret lies in the tender apples that keep everything perfectly hydrated.
Ingredients
– 2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil
– 1/4 cup of milk
– 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– A pinch of salt
– A splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Tip: Make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the melted coconut oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
6. Fold in the chopped apples gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Tip: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Tip: Check the cake at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking—it should be golden and spring back when touched.
11. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Just out of the oven, this cake boasts a tender crumb with juicy apple pockets that melt in your mouth. The cinnamon warmth pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence. Try it toasted the next day—it’s surprisingly even better.
Vegan Moist Apple Cake with Maple Frosting
Finally, a vegan apple cake that actually stays moist for days. Forget dry, crumbly desserts—this one delivers tender crumb and cozy spice in every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings or just because you deserve cake.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– ½ tsp nutmeg
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– ½ cup chopped walnuts
– 4 oz vegan cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup maple syrup
– A splash of lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
3. Pour in vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract—mix until just combined.
4. Fold in chopped apples and walnuts gently to avoid overmixing.
5. Tip: Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
9. Tip: Don’t frost until completely cool or your frosting will melt and slide off.
10. Beat softened vegan cream cheese with maple syrup and lemon juice until smooth.
11. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake with an offset spatula.
12. Tip: Toast walnuts before adding for deeper flavor and crunchier texture.
Perfectly moist with tender apple chunks in every slice, this cake tastes like autumn in dessert form. The maple frosting adds just enough sweetness without overwhelming the spices. Serve slightly warmed with a drizzle of extra maple syrup for breakfast-level indulgence.
Cinnamon Swirl Moist Apple Cake Delight
Fragrant cinnamon and tender apples create the ultimate comfort dessert. This moist cake comes together quickly with pantry staples. Your kitchen will smell incredible while it bakes.
Ingredients
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup of brown sugar
– A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs until frothy, then mix in oil, milk, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed—don’t overmix for a tender crumb.
5. Fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
7. Mix cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl for the swirl.
8. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.
9. Top with remaining batter, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar.
10. Use a knife to swirl through the layers 4-5 times for marbled effect.
11. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
12. Cool in pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Unbelievably moist with pockets of soft apple in every bite. The cinnamon swirl creates ribbons of spiced sweetness throughout. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect contrast.
Moist Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Crumble
Fragrant apples and warm spices make this cake an instant fall favorite. It’s the perfect balance of tender cake and crunchy topping that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Simple to make but impressive enough for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup buttermilk, 2 medium apples (peeled and chopped)
For the crumble: ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in 2 eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and ½ cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
- Fold in 2 chopped apples until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix—this keeps the cake tender.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Make the crumble by combining ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Cut in ¼ cup cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the cake batter. Tip: Use cold butter for the best crunchy texture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Tip: Letting it cool slightly makes slicing cleaner.
Just baked, this cake delivers a moist, spiced crumb beneath that crackly brown sugar topping. The tender apple pieces melt into each forkful, while the crumble adds a satisfying crunch. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy dessert.
Buttermilk Infused Moist Apple Cake
Looking for that perfect fall dessert that won’t dry out? This buttermilk-infused apple cake stays incredibly moist for days. Let’s get baking.
Ingredients
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– A couple of peeled and chopped apples
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1 cup of buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of melted butter
– A good splash of vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Pour in the melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
5. Tip: Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until no flour streaks remain.
7. Fold in the chopped apples gently with a spatula.
8. Tip: Toss the apple pieces in a tablespoon of flour first to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Tip: Check the cake at 40 minutes—if it’s browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
12. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve this cake warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The buttermilk gives it a subtle tang that balances the sweet apples perfectly. It stays remarkably moist thanks to the fruit and buttermilk combo, making it ideal for make-ahead gatherings.
Moist Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
Savor this cozy apple cake that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Moist spiced layers hug a rich cream cheese center for the perfect fall treat. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast at gatherings.
Ingredients
For the cream cheese filling:
– One 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– One large egg
– A splash of vanilla extract
For the apple cake batter:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Two large eggs
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– 2 cups finely chopped apples (about 2 medium)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Make the cream cheese filling: beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in one egg and vanilla extract until just combined; set aside.
4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
5. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Beat in two eggs, one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk.
7. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain.
8. Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
9. Spread half of the apple batter into the prepared pan.
10. Carefully spoon all of the cream cheese filling over the batter layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
11. Top with remaining apple batter, spreading gently to cover the filling completely.
12. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean.
13. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before removing the sides.
14. Let cool completely before slicing.
Every slice reveals that beautiful cream cheese swirl against the spiced apple crumb. The cake stays remarkably moist for days thanks to the apples, making it even better the next day. Try it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Loaded Moist Apple Cake with Pecans
Filled with warm spices and crunchy pecans, this apple cake delivers incredible moisture and texture. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy weekends, it comes together with minimal fuss. You’ll love how the tender crumb holds up against the juicy apple chunks.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 3/4 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups chopped apples (about 2-3 medium)
– 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
2. Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until fully combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until no flour streaks remain—don’t overmix.
5. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans gently to distribute evenly.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Hearty and comforting, this cake stays remarkably moist for days thanks to the apple chunks. The pecans add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender crumb. Try it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.
Moist Apple Cake with Homemade Vanilla Sauce
Just when you think apple season can’t get better, this moist cake proves otherwise. Juicy apples and warm spices create pure comfort food magic that’s perfect for any fall gathering.
Ingredients
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup of vegetable oil
– 4 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– 2 teaspoons of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon of nutmeg
– A pinch of salt
– 1 cup of whole milk
– 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
– For the sauce: 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, another splash of vanilla
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil while mixing on medium speed.
5. Add milk and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
6. Tip: Fold in dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing and keep the cake tender.
7. Stir in chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
11. For the sauce, combine heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a small saucepan.
12. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
13. Tip: Don’t let the sauce boil to prevent curdling.
14. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
15. Tip: Let sauce cool for 10 minutes to thicken before serving.
16. Slice cooled cake and drizzle generously with warm vanilla sauce.
Buttery vanilla sauce soaks into the tender crumb, making each bite incredibly moist. The soft apple chunks provide little bursts of sweetness against the warm spices. Serve it warm with extra sauce for dipping, or try it with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.
Almond Flour Moist Apple Cake with Honey Drizzle
Baking this almond flour apple cake feels like autumn in a pan. It’s naturally gluten-free with a moist crumb that pairs perfectly with the honey drizzle. Simple ingredients create a cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with warm spice aromas.
Ingredients
– 2 cups of almond flour
– 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
– 3 large eggs
– ½ cup of honey, plus extra for drizzling
– ¼ cup of melted coconut oil
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon of baking soda
– A pinch of salt
– A splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together the almond flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the ½ cup of honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain.
6. Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10. Drizzle additional honey over the cooled cake just before serving.
Hearty and comforting, this cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the apples and almond flour. The honey drizzle adds a natural sweetness that complements the warm cinnamon notes. Serve it warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast or enjoy it as an afternoon treat with coffee.
Conclusion
Remarkable! With 24 delicious moist apple cake variations, you’re sure to find the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you prefer classic cinnamon-spiced cakes or creative twists with caramel and nuts, there’s something here for every baker. We’d love to hear which recipe becomes your family favorite—leave a comment below and don’t forget to share your baking adventures by pinning this article on Pinterest!
