One Bowl Apple Cake Recipe

This One Bowl Apple Cake is a simple, delicious, and fuss-free dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you have fresh apples on hand. It’s moist, flavorful, and can be made quickly with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Batter:

a. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

b. Add Wet Ingredients:

• Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt or sour cream to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and smooth.

c. Fold in Apples and Nuts:

• Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. Bake the Cake:

a. Transfer to Pan:

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

b. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

4. Cool and Serve:

a. Cool the Cake:

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

b. Serve:

• Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect One Bowl Apple Cake

1. Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for a balanced flavor.
2. Moisture: The Greek yogurt or sour cream helps keep the cake moist. If you don’t have either, you can substitute with an equal amount of applesauce.
3. Nuts: Adding nuts is optional but recommended for added texture and flavor. Toast the nuts beforehand for extra depth.
4. Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your preference. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a more complex spice profile.
5. Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the wet ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
6. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This cake also freezes well for longer storage.

Enjoy your simple, delicious One Bowl Apple Cake!