There’s something utterly comforting about the aroma of apples baking in the oven. This Old-Fashioned Apple Slice Cake is the kind of recipe that wraps your home in the scent of cinnamon and warm fruit, while delivering a soft, buttery cake that’s studded with tender apple slices in every bite. With a delicate crumb and just the right balance of sweetness, this cake is a lovely dessert or afternoon tea treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any season—though it really shines during apple harvest time.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8–10 slices
Cuisine: European-inspired

Ingredients

• • 4 large eggs

  • 100g (about ½ cup) granulated sugar

  • A pinch of salt

• • Vanillin or vanilla extract, to taste

  • 40g (about 3 tablespoons) melted butter

  • 200ml (about ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons) milk

• • 200g (about 1⅔ cups) all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 5 large apples or 7 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced

• 20g (about 1½ tablespoons) melted butter, for topping

• Powdered sugar, optional, for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a 24 cm (9.5-inch) round baking dish or springform pan with butter or non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.

Prepare the batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, pinch of salt, and vanillin until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy. This step ensures the cake will have a light and fluffy texture.

Add the melted butter and milk to the egg mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.

Sift the flour and baking powder directly into the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or whisk just until no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense.

Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Uniform slices are important to ensure even cooking and a tender consistency throughout the cake. If your apples are very juicy, pat them dry slightly with a paper towel.

Combine apples and batter
Fold the apple slices into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed and well coated. The batter will appear apple-heavy, but that’s the magic—this is meant to be a fruit-rich cake.

Bake the cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Drizzle the remaining melted butter across the top. This will create a lightly caramelized finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. The cake should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool and serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Nutritional Information
(Per slice, based on 10 servings)

• • Calories: 220

    

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  • Protein: 5g

  • Carbohydrates: 32g

• • Sugars: 14g

  • Fat: 8g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 90mg

  • Cholesterol: 65mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This apple slice cake has its roots in classic European home baking, often seen in German, French, and Eastern European kitchens. Known by many names—like “Apfelkuchen” in German or “Torta di Mele” in Italian—these rustic apple cakes typically celebrate simplicity and seasonal fruit. Over time, the recipe has evolved and become a staple in homes around the world thanks to its accessibility, minimal ingredients, and universal appeal. It’s now a beloved dessert from family kitchens to fancy cafes.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• • No fancy equipment needed: Everything can be mixed by hand in one bowl.

  • Fridge-friendly ingredients: You likely already have everything on hand.

  • Super moist: Thanks to the high apple content and the milk-butter base, the cake stays moist for days.

• Not too sweet: This cake is balanced, perfect for those who prefer lighter desserts.

• Customizable: Add-ins like raisins, cinnamon, or lemon zest make it your own.

Health Benefits

While this is undeniably a treat, it does bring some healthy perks to the table:

• • Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, promoting gut and immune health.

  • Eggs provide quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and choline.

  • Using less sugar than traditional cakes makes this a moderately sweet option that won’t spike blood sugar as drastically.

• Homemade = fewer preservatives, artificial colors, or hidden ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

• • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

  • Pair it with whipped cream and fresh berries for a spring brunch.

    

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  • Add a dusting of cinnamon and serve with a cup of coffee or chai.

• Make it festive for fall with a warm cider glaze or cinnamon whipped cream.

Cooking Tips

• • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for structure and a sweet-tart contrast.

  • Don’t overmix the batter. Overworking the flour can toughen the cake.

  • Let the cake cool before slicing. This helps it firm up and slice cleanly.

• Sprinkle some demerara sugar or sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.

Variations to Try

• • Apple-Cinnamon Spice Cake: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the batter.

  • Apple-Pear Combo: Replace half the apples with sliced pears.

  • Cranberry-Apple Version: Stir ½ cup of dried cranberries into the batter for a holiday twist.

• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs, plant milk, and vegan butter.

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum.

Conclusion

This apple slice cake is a timeless recipe that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make something truly special. It celebrates the natural sweetness and texture of apples, held together by a light, buttery batter that bakes into golden perfection. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your kitchen journey, this cake is foolproof, cozy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section

1. What are the best apples for baking this cake?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples hold up well and provide a good balance of sweet and tart.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.

3. How should I store this cake?
Store at room temperature, covered, for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

4. Can I freeze it?
Yes! Slice and freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 2 months.

5. Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely. Chopped walnuts or almonds and golden raisins go wonderfully in this cake

6. Can I make this in a square or loaf pan?
Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly—loaf pans may need up to 10 extra minutes.