You can't go past a slice of Easy Apple Cake when it comes to simple, crowd-pleasing desserts. With layers of fresh apples in a buttery cake base and a crunchy almond-sugar topping, it's the kind of recipe you'll make on repeat. Serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy a slice with a cuppa. If you love my Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting or Carrot Cake, this one's for you.
Light, fluffy, and buttery, just amazing. Quick and easy to make. Delicious.
- Caroline
Unlike many other easy apple cake recipes with few ingredients, this version includes both conventional and Thermomix methods, so it works for every baker. The apples keep it moist, while the nutty sugar crust adds irresistible crunch-just like an easy German apple cake, but with an extra layer of flavour.
It's light enough for morning tea, special enough for dessert, and even freezer-friendly. If you love classics like Apple Crumble or Apple Sponge Pudding, this old-fashioned fresh apple cake recipe will fit right in.
Jump to:
Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
- Moist and buttery - the fresh apples bake into the cake to keep it soft and tender.
- Crunchy topping - flaked almonds and raw sugar caramelise into a nutty, sweet crust for the ultimate flavor.
- Conventional & Thermomix methods included - bake it your way with step-by-step instructions.
- Versatile - serve warm with custard or ice cream for dessert, or enjoy cold as a tea-time treat.
- Freezer-friendly - make it ahead and freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Cake Ingredients
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this easy apple cake with fresh apples.
- Apples - I recommend Granny Smiths for their tartness and ability to hold shape, but you can use any variety. Just peel and thinly slice.
- Flaked almonds - thin, blanched slices of almond that toast beautifully on top of the cake.
- Raw sugar - sprinkled over the almonds before baking, it gives a crunchy, caramelised finish.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Apple Cake - swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Nut-Free Apple Cake - omit the almonds for a soft, sugar-crusted finish.
- Spiced Apple & Walnut Cake - add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for added spices, and a handful of chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
- Apple-Berry Cake - Fold a cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) into the batter along with the apple slices.
- Apple-Pear Cake - use half apples and half pears for a fruity twist.
How To Make Easy Apple Cake
This simple recipe couldn't be more straightforward-you'll have it in the oven in just 10 minutes.
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the butter, white sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and creamy. Add eggs and milk, mixing until smooth.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Step 2: Fold the sifted self-raising flour mixture through the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Step 3: Spread half the batter into a prepared pan lined with parchment paper. Top with half the sliced apples.
- Step 4: Repeat with the remaining batter and apples.
- Step 5: Sprinkle almonds and raw sugar over the top.
- Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool slightly before removing from the tin.
Top Tip
For the best texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
Recipe Tips
- Use tart apples (like Granny Smiths) for the best balance of flavour.
- Don't overmix the batter-stir until just combined.
- If the cake browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- All ovens vary - baking times can differ depending on your oven brand, age, and whether it runs hotter or cooler. Start checking from 40 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Test with a skewer or toothpick-look for moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Do not refrigerate (it will dry out).
- Freeze slices wrapped in foil or cling film for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Easy Apple Cake FAQs
Granny Smiths are my go-to because they hold their shape and add tartness, but plenty of other varieties work beautifully too. Braeburn, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Pink Lady and Jonathan apples are all great options - just make sure to peel and thinly slice them before layering into the cake.
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Drain well before layering. For the best result, use fresh apples.
Absolutely-bake the day before and store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can cut back on the caster sugar in the batter. Keep the raw sugar topping, though-it gives that delicious crunch.
Yes, just skip the flaked almonds. You'll still get a lovely sugar-crusted top.
More Baking Recipes Using Apples
If you love this easy apple cake from scratch, here are four more fruity cakes and desserts to try:
WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. If you love baking, please join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Easy Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 125 g butter softened to room temperature
- 165 g (¾ cup) caster sugar superfine sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla essence
- 2 eggs approx 60g each, room temperature
- 125 ml milk full cream, room temperature
- 225 g (1 ½ cups) self-raising flour sifted
- 3 apples cored, peeled and thinly sliced
- 45 g (½ cup) flaked almonds
- 3 tablespoon raw sugar optional
Instructions
Conventional Method
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 22cm springform pan. Line the base with baking paper.
- Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
- Beat the butter, caster sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and milk and beat until combined.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and beat until just combined.
- Pour half of the the mixture into the prepared tin. Add a layer of the thinly sliced apples (half of them).
- Repeat with the remaining cake mixture and apple slices.
- Sprinkle over the flaked almonds and the raw sugar.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is cooked when tested with a skewer.
- Leave to cool in the baking pan for 20 minutes before placing onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve on it's own or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Thermomix Method
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 22cm springform pan. Line the base with baking paper.
- Preheat oven to 160 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
- Cream butter, sugar and vanilla extract together for 30 seconds, Speed 4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the eggs and milk and beat for a further 20 seconds, Speed 3.
- Add the self-raising flour and combine for 20 seconds, Speed 4. Pour half of the the mixture into the prepared tin.
- Add a layer of the thinly sliced apples (half of them). Repeat with the remaining cake mixture and apple slices.
- Sprinkle over the flaked almonds and the raw sugar.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is cooked when tested with a skewer.
- Leave to cool in the baking pan for 20 minutes before placing onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve on it's own or warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use tart apples (like Granny Smiths) for the best balance of flavour.
- Don't overmix the batter-stir until just combined.
- If the cake browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- All ovens vary - baking times can differ depending on your oven brand, age, and whether it runs hotter or cooler. Start checking from 40 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Test with a skewer or toothpick-look for moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Do not refrigerate (it will dry out).
- Freeze slices wrapped in foil or cling film for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Rachelle Geri says
Such a great recipe and easy to follow
Amy says
I made this with three kids (under 4yrs) and it was really simple recipe to follow and it turned out delicious. Really pleased. Will make it again for sure.
Janice Francis says
Easy to follow recipe and lovely cake, think I might use some cinnamon or mixed spice with apple to add extra flavour
Stephie says
Made this cake but had to give it more time to cook as mentioned in tips. I did add cinnamon on top together with the almonds and raw sugar. Was rather easy to prepare and bake.
Was a hit with hubby.