Sliced apples, poured over batter - READY in 30 minutes. Perfect with tea

There’s something undeniably comforting about a fresh apple cake, especially when it can be ready in just 30 minutes. This simple recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with a light batter, creating a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. It’s perfect for those busy afternoons when you want to whip up something special without a lot of fuss. This cake is not only quick to make but also incorporates fresh fruit, offering a hint of nutrition amid the indulgence.

Why This Recipe Is Helpful

Quick and easy, making it perfect for unexpected guests or a sweet afternoon snack.
Utilizes fresh apples, which add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

Best For

This recipe is great for home bakers looking for a quick and delicious cake to enjoy with family or friends over tea.

Be Careful If

People with a sensitivity to sugar might want to manage their portions, as this cake is still quite sweet.

Ingredients

4 apples (any variety, cored and thinly sliced)
Juice of half a lemon (for preventing apple browning)
3 eggs
50g (1/4 cup) sugar
90g (3/4 cup) milk
25g (2 tablespoons) butter, melted
100g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Ingredient Notes

Apples: Choose a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp for best flavor.
Lemon Juice: This not only prevents browning but adds a nice zing to the apples.
Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in the cake.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F) with both top and bottom heat or convection.
Core and thinly slice the apples without peeling them.
Sprinkle lemon juice over the sliced apples to prevent browning and mix gently.
In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until well combined and slightly frothy.
Add the milk and melted butter to the egg mixture and mix well until smooth.
Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps, until you have a smooth batter.
Mix in the baking powder until well combined.
Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
Grease a baking dish and pour the batter into it, making sure to level the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious and moist apple cake!

Pro Tips

Ensure your apples are sliced thinly for even distribution throughout the cake.
Use a toothpick to test for doneness to avoid overbaking.
Let the cake sit before slicing to achieve cleaner cuts.

Lighter Swaps

While this recipe is best as-is for flavor and texture, you could consider reducing the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.

Common Mistakes

Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake; mix just enough to incorporate the ingredients.
Not greasing the baking dish properly can cause the cake to stick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds or in an oven to warm through, especially if serving with ice cream.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 200
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 8g

Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Calories: 200 per slice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits in this cake?
Yes, other fruits like pears or berries can also work well in this recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly and it should last for about a month in the freezer.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the batter in advance and bake it later. Just remember to add the apples right before baking.

To complement this delicious apple cake, consider exploring other quick meals, such as this Chinese cabbage with minced meat recipe. It’s equally delightful and perfect for those busy days!