Description

Craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s bursting with apple and cinnamon flavor? What if you could whip up a tender, nutty apple cake with a fluffy whipped topping in just 60 minutes? Easy Apple Cake is your answer—a beloved recipe with 33 reviews, perfect for fall gatherings, family desserts, or cozy afternoons

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup for 20 servings (small squares from a 13×9-inch pan). Each ingredient plays a key role, with swaps for flexibility.

Sugar (1-3/4 cups): Sweetens the cake and balances tart apples. Sub: 1-1/2 cups coconut sugar or 1 cup sugar + 1/4 cup maple syrup for less sweetness.
Canola oil (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender. Sub: Vegetable oil, melted butter, or unsweetened applesauce for lower fat.
Large eggs (3): Bind the batter and add structure. Sub: Flax eggs (3 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 9 tablespoons water) for vegan.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor with warmth. Sub: Almond extract or omit.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure. Sub: Gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat flour (may be denser).
Baking powder (1-1/4 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise. Sub: No substitute; critical for leavening.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavors. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for low-sodium.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, spiced flavor. Sub: Apple pie spice or nutmeg.
Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Boosts rise with acidic apples. Sub: No substitute; critical for texture.
Tart apples (2 cups, finely chopped, peeled): Add moisture and tangy flavor. Sub: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or pears.
Walnuts (1 cup, chopped): Provide crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Sub: Pecans, almonds, or omit for nut-free.
Whipped topping (1-1/4 cups): Adds creamy lightness. Sub: Whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, or dust with powdered sugar.

These ingredients are pantry staples, creating a wholesome, comforting dessert

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Instructions

Ready to start? You’ll need a large bowl, 13×9-inch baking dish, and a whisk or electric mixer. These steps are simple, with tips for success.

Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Tip: Line with parchment for easy removal.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 1-3/4 cups sugar, 1 cup canola oil, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with a whisk or electric mixer until well blended (about 1-2 minutes). Tip: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Gradually beat into the wet mixture until just blended. Tip: Add dry ingredients in thirds to avoid lumps; don’t overmix.
Add apples and walnuts: Fold in 2 cups finely chopped apples and 1 cup chopped walnuts with a spatula until evenly distributed. Tip: Chop apples into small, 1/4-inch pieces for even baking; pat dry if juicy.
Bake: Transfer batter to the greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 35-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tip: Check at 35 minutes; cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Cool and serve: Cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes. Cut into squares and serve with 1-1/4 cups whipped topping (spoon or spread over pieces). Tip: Serve warm for extra coziness or at room temp for easy slicing.