9 Easy Apple Cake Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Written by Clara Bennett in Dessert

Your kitchen can smell like autumn in ten minutes, even on a weeknight. You’ll get crisp apple bites, warm spices, and a tender crumb without a lot of fuss. These nine easy cakes fit tight schedules and simple pans, so you can pull something impressive together after work. Stay for the quick tricks and swaps that make every recipe faster and more forgiving.

Classic One-Bowl Cinnamon Apple Cake

Warm, cozy cinnamon apple cake you can mix in one bowl—perfect for busy mornings or a simple dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar mixed with 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional topping)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round pan or line with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add the eggs, oil (or melted butter), yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla; stir until just combined.
  4. Fold in the diced apples and nuts, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the brown sugar–cinnamon mix over the batter if using.
  6. Bake 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.

Serve warm or at room temperature—slice a piece, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy that cozy cinnamon-apple goodness!

30-Minute Skillet Apple Cake

A warm, speedy skillet apple cake that comes together in a flash — perfect for sudden cake cravings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced or chopped)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
  • 1 tbsp butter (for skillet)
  • Powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream for serving (optional)

How to Make:

1. Preheat a 9-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat and add the tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the bottom.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk, oil, and vanilla until combined.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix.

5. Fold in the sliced or chopped apple so it’s evenly distributed.

6. Spoon the batter into the warmed, buttered skillet and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the batter if you like a caramelized top.

8. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean.

(If you have an oven, you can transfer the skillet to a 350°F/175°C oven and bake 15–18 minutes instead.)

9. Remove from heat and let the cake rest for 5 minutes in the skillet.

10. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with ice cream, slice, and enjoy.

Serve warm and watch it disappear — comfort cake in minutes!

HoneyApple Yogurt Cake

Honey-Glazed Apple Yogurt Cake — tender, tangy, and sweet with a golden honey finish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
  • 1/2 cup honey, plus 2 tbsp for glaze
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for topping)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round or square cake pan.
  2. Toss the apple pieces with lemon juice and set aside so they don’t brown.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until slightly thickened.
  5. Add yogurt, honey, oil, and vanilla to the egg mixture and stir until smooth.
  6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined; don’t overmix.
  7. Fold in most of the apple pieces, reserving a few for the top.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the reserved apples on the surface and sprinkle with brown sugar if using.
  9. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
  10. While the cake cools for 10 minutes, warm 2 tbsp honey until runny and brush over the warm cake.
  11. Let the cake cool in the pan another 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if you like.

Serve a warm slice with a cup of tea or a dollop of extra yogurt — pure comfort in every bite!

Maple Streusel Apple Cake

A cozy maple-streusel-topped apple cake that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or a warm hug.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 2 medium apples (about 1 lb / 450 g), peeled, cored and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)

For the maple streusel:

  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (70 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8- or 9-inch (20–23 cm) round or square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment if you like.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and creamy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each, then stir in the vanilla and maple syrup.
  5. Fold in the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with the sour cream, until just combined—don’t overmix.
  6. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan with a spatula.
  8. Make the streusel: combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  9. Stir in the maple syrup and nuts (if using) until clumps form; sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter.
  10. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and the top is golden.
  11. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15–20 minutes, then remove and cool further before slicing.

Serve warm or at room temperature — a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it irresistible. Enjoy every cozy bite!

Gluten-Free Almond Apple Cake

A moist, tender almond-scented apple cake that’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for cozy afternoons.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (200 g) almond flour (finely ground)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) gluten-free oat flour or fine rice flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (or orange) for brightness
  • 2 medium apples (about 300–350 g), peeled, cored and thinly sliced or diced
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds for topping (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat/rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly then add maple syrup (or honey), oil, vanilla, and citrus zest; stir until combined.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined — don’t overmix.
  5. Fold in about two-thirds of the apple pieces so they’re evenly distributed.
  6. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange remaining apple slices on top.
  7. Sprinkle sliced almonds and turbinado sugar over the top if using.
  8. Bake 35–45 minutes (depending on pan) until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool further before slicing.
  10. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature — a smear of yogurt or a drizzle of honey is delightful.

Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee — this almond apple cake is cozy, naturally gluten-free, and impossible to resist!

Quick Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Quick Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake: a warm, gooey, buttery cake with caramelized apples on top (or bottom—surprise!).

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for pan
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon for apples, a pinch of nutmeg for batter

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with 2 tablespoons butter.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter and add the brown sugar; stir until bubbly and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  4. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer over the caramel; sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the apples if using.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, egg, milk, vanilla, and oil until combined.
  7. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until mixed—don’t overmix.
  8. Spoon the batter gently over the apples, spreading it to cover them evenly.
  9. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate so the caramel apples are on top.
  11. Serve warm or at room temperature; add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like.

Enjoy the warm, sticky caramel and tender apples—perfect with a fork and a smile!

Spiced Apple and Oat Cake

Spiced Apple and Oat Cake — cozy, rustic, and perfect with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to mix.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.
  5. Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using) and add the maple syrup or honey now if you want extra sweetness.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs and the top is golden.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature — great plain, with a dollop of yogurt, or a smear of butter.

Enjoy a cozy slice with your favorite hot drink!

Lemon-Apple Olive Oil Cake

Bright, tender lemon-apple cake with the silky richness of olive oil.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 medium apples (about 1 lb / 450 g), peeled, cored and thinly sliced or chopped
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for topping)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round pan or line it with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.
  3. In a larger bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
  4. Whisk in the olive oil, yogurt, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined; don’t overmix.
  6. Fold in the sliced or chopped apples so they’re evenly distributed.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle brown sugar over the apples if using.
  8. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
  9. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if you like.

Enjoy a slice with tea or coffee—this bright, moist cake is lovely warm or at room temperature.

Brown Butter Apple Bundt Cake

Brown Butter Apple Bundt Cake: nutty, tender, and full of cozy apple flavor in every slice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Nonstick spray or butter + flour for bundt pan

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan well.
  2. Brown the butter: melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Cook until it foams, then the solids turn golden brown and smell nutty, about 4–6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, beat browned butter with granulated and brown sugars until combined and slightly cooled.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each, then stir in vanilla.
  6. Mix in sour cream and milk until smooth.
  7. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two additions, stirring just until combined.
  8. Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using).
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top.
  10. Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  11. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and serve.

Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee — this cake is pure comfort in every slice.

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