If you have 3 apples, 3 eggs, and a glass of milk, you already have the stars of this wonderfully soft homemade cake.
This is the kind of simple recipe that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to make something delicious. The apples become tender while baking, the cake stays beautifully moist, and a light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look irresistible.
It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a simple family dessert.
And the best part? No fancy equipment is required.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cake
- 3 medium apples
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or ½ cup melted butter
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Extra cinnamon, optional
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel the apples and remove the cores.
Cut them into small cubes or thin slices, depending on the texture you prefer.
Place the apples in a bowl and drizzle them with lemon juice.
This helps prevent excessive browning and adds a subtle freshness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
For extra fall flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the apples.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
Crack the 3 eggs into a large mixing bowl.
Add the sugar.
Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture for approximately 2–3 minutes, until it becomes lighter and slightly fluffy.
This step helps create a softer cake.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Pour in the milk, followed by the vegetable oil or melted butter and vanilla extract.
Mix until everything is well combined.
If you’re using melted butter, allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the eggs.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
Mix gently until you have a smooth batter.
Don’t overmix once the flour has been incorporated. Overmixing can make the finished cake denser.
Step 5: Add the Apples 🍎
Fold most of the apple pieces gently into the batter.
Save a small handful for the top.
The apples release moisture while baking, which is what gives this cake its wonderfully soft texture.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square or round baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Scatter the remaining apple pieces over the top.
For a slightly caramelized finish, you can sprinkle about a tablespoon of sugar over the apples.
Step 7: Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35–45 minutes.
Because ovens vary, begin checking around 35 minutes.
Insert a toothpick into the center.
If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
If wet batter remains on the toothpick, continue baking for another few minutes and check again.
Step 8: Let It Cool
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Then carefully transfer it to a cooling rack or serving plate.
Don’t cut it immediately.
Giving the cake a little time to cool allows the crumb to settle and makes it easier to slice.
The Final Touch
Once the cake has cooled slightly, dust the top generously with powdered sugar.
Cut it into squares.
The result is a simple but beautiful homemade dessert:
🍎 Tender pieces of apple
🍰 Soft, moist cake
🥛 Delicate milky flavor
✨ A light powdered-sugar finish
Serve it slightly warm and it’s especially comforting.
Want It Even More Delicious?
This recipe is easy to customize.
Add Cinnamon Sugar
Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle it over the cake before baking.
You’ll get a lightly crisp, fragrant top.
Add Walnuts
Fold about ½ cup chopped walnuts into the batter with the apples.
They add a lovely crunch.
Add Raisins
If you enjoy old-fashioned apple desserts, add a small handful of raisins.
Soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, drain them well, and fold them into the batter.
Add Lemon Zest
A teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest makes the apple flavor taste even fresher.
Which Apples Work Best?
You can make this cake with many varieties.
Granny Smith apples provide a slightly tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
Honeycrisp apples are sweeter and remain pleasantly textured after baking.
Pink Lady apples provide a nice balance of sweet and tart.
You can even combine two different varieties.
Can I Use Butter Instead of Oil?
Absolutely.
Oil generally produces a very moist, soft cake.
Melted butter gives the cake a richer flavor.
Both work well, so choose whichever you have at home.
How to Store Apple Cake
Once completely cooled, place the cake in an airtight container.
For longer storage, keep it refrigerated because it contains plenty of fresh fruit and moisture.
Bring individual slices toward room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly for that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
A Simple Cake Made With Everyday Ingredients
That’s what makes this recipe so appealing.
There’s nothing extravagant here.
Three apples.
Three eggs.
A glass of milk.
Flour, sugar, and a few pantry staples.
Yet when everything comes together in the oven, you get a soft, fragrant apple cake that tastes like something Grandma might have made on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
Put the coffee on, cut yourself a warm square, and enjoy. ☕🍎
Would you eat yours with powdered sugar, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream? 😍