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    Home » Recipes » Cake Recipes

    Buttery Apple Cake Recipe

    Published: Oct 14, 2020 · Modified: May 27, 2021 by Chef Dennis Littley

    850 shares
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    5 from 107 votes
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    Pinterest image for buttery apple cake

    When the weather turns cooler, my thoughts turn to apples and my Buttery Apple Cake.…sigh.

    whole buttery apple cake on white plate with slice taken ou

    It’s a cake I’ve enjoyed for as long as I can remember. It was first introduced to me as an Italian Apple Cake and after a few changes to the recipe the results were a this moist delicious cake that’s easy to make and easy to adapt to the fruits you have on hand.

    And the best part about this cake is it only takes two-thirds a cup of flour to make.

    Table of Contents:
    • What ingredients do I need to make a Buttery Apple Cake?
    • What kind of apples should I use for an apple cake?
    • Can I use canned or frozen apples to make an apple cake?
    • Do I have to use apples in this cake?
    • How do I make a Buttery Apple Cake?
    • CHEF DENNIS TIP** 
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • More Recipes You’ll Love!
    • Recipe: Buttery Apple Cake

    What ingredients do I need to make a Buttery Apple Cake?

    ingredients to make recipe

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make a Buttery Apple Cake. In Chef Speak this is called the Mise en Place which translates into Everything in its Place.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    What kind of apples should I use for an apple cake?

    Whenever anyone mentions baking and apples, the first thought turns to Granny Smith. It may be sacrilege, but I don’t like those apples. And because I’m baking for my family I use the kind of apples I like. Feel free to use your favorite apple for this cake.

    These are the varieties of apples I use for baking:

    • Gala
    • Fuji
    • Honeycrisp
    • Pink Lady
    • Winesap
    • Jonathon

    Can I use canned or frozen apples to make an apple cake?

    Yes you can. I’ve never used canned apples for this cake, but I’m pretty sure they would work. I just wouldn’t cook the canned apples in butter, just use them straight from the can (without any extra juice).

    Do I have to use apples in this cake?

    No, you don’t. This is a very forgiving cake recipe and can be used with a variety of fruit. These are some of my favorites.

    • Pineapple
    • Mango
    • Peach
    • Blueberries
    • Pears

    **You don’t have to cook berries or stone fruit for this cake, but any firmer fruits like pineapple or pears would benefit from sauteing with butter. You can also mix different fruits together if you don’t have enough of any one variety.

    How do I make a Buttery Apple Cake?

    sauteed apples in large pot

    The first step is melting the butter for the cake. Reserve six tablespoons of butter for the batter, using the rest to saute the apples.

    Add the apple chunks to the pan and cook until tender over medium heat, 7-10 minutes. Remove the apples from the pan and allow to cool.

    **Don’t remove any of the butter that may be left in the pan

    bowl of egg mixture and bowl of flour mixture

    While the apples are cooling, prepare the ingredients for the apple cake.

    • In a small bowl mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
    • In a large bowl beat the whole eggs and egg yolks until blended. Add the butter, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest.
    large mixing bowl with all the ingredients added

    Add the flour mixture and sauteed apples to the egg mixture, mix just enough to blend in the flour.

    cake batter in prepared pan

    Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. The batter may seem a little loose, but trust me, as long as you follow my recipe, it will turn out great.

    CHEF DENNIS TIP** 

    Add parchment to the bottom of the pan before you add the batter. It will be much easier to remove the finished cake from the pan.

    fully baked apple cake in pan

    Bake until the cake is golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

    Don’t expect this cake to rise very much. There isn’t enough flour vs butter in the cake to get much of a rise. I use standard 9-inch baking pans. An 8-inch cake pan will give you a taller cake. 

    buttery apple cake on white platter

    Invert the cake onto a plate to remove the pan, and then invert again on your serving dish.

    slice of buttery apple cake with whipped cream on a plate

    Serve warm from the oven with a sprinkle of confectioner sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    What kind of apples should I use for an apple cake?

    Traditionally, everyone suggests Granny Smiths for baking. Personally, I don’t like them. I suggest using Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Winesap, or Jonathon.

    Why isn’t there much flour in this cake?

    It’s not a high-rising cake and needs less flour than you might think. Trust the recipe, and it will be a moist, delicious cake!

    Can I use canned or frozen apples to make this cake?

    Yes, you can. I’ve never used canned apples for this cake, but I’m pretty sure they would work. I just wouldn’t cook the canned apples in butter; just use them straight from the can (without any extra juice).

    These are the pans and tools I used to make this cake. And I promise you’ll thank me every time you use the offset spatula!

    Chef's Choice
    USA Bakeware 9 inch Nonstick Round Cake Pan
    USA Bakeware 9 inch Nonstick Round Cake Pan

    A good cake pan makes all the difference in making your favorite layer cakes. These are the pans I use in my home kitchen.

    Check Price On Amazon
    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Chef's Choice
    9 Inch Parchment Baking Circles - Set of 100
    9 Inch Parchment Baking Circles - Set of 100

    These parchment baking circles make removing cakes from the pan quick and easy.

    Check Price On Amazon
    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Chef's Choice
    11-inch Heat Resistant Silicone Spatulas (4-piece)
    11-inch Heat Resistant Silicone Spatulas (4-piece)

    These are the spatulas I use in my kitchen. They are durable, heat resistant and easy to keep clean.

    Check Price On Amazon
    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Chef's Choice
    Fat Daddio's 8 Inch Offset Spatula
    Fat Daddio's 8 Inch Offset Spatula

    This offset spatula is essential for baking and frosting cakes.

    Check Price On Amazon
    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    slice of buttery apple cake topped with whipped cream on a white plate
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    5 from 107 votes

    Buttery Apple Cake

    It's apple season and you won't find an easier or more delicious recipe for a Buttery Apple Cake. Whether you serve it for dessert, breakfast or as an afternoon snack it's sure to bring smiles to your table!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time35 minutes mins
    Total Time50 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 300kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Equipment

    • 9 Inch cake pan
    • offset spatula

    Ingredients

    • 4 ounces unsalted butter (1 stick)
    • 3 large Gala apples cut into chunks (feel free to use your favorite apple)
    • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 large whole eggs plus 1 egg yolk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (if you like a less sweeter cake cut the sugar back to ¾ of a cup)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • preheat the oven to 375º. Butter and flour a 9” round cake pan.
      Place a piece of parchment in the bottom of the pan.
    • In a large frying pan over low heat, melt all of the butter, reserve 6 tbs for later use.
    • Add the apple chunks to the pan with the remaining melted butter and cook until tender over medium heat, 7-10 minutes.
    • In a small bowl mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
    • In a large bowl beat the whole eggs and egg yolks until blended. Add the reserved 6 tablespoon of butter, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest.
    • Stir in flour mixture and sauteed apples (leave out any butter left in the pan). Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
    • Bake until the cake is golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool in pan for 5 minutes.
    • Invert the cake onto a plate to remove the pan and then invert again on your serving dish.
    • Serve warm from the oven with a sprinkle of confectioners sugar, whipped cream or ice cream.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 467IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

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    1. Jeannie Hynes

      November 15, 2023 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      This cake was absolutely delicious. It was almost like a cheesecake in consistency. Just fabulous

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 15, 2023 at 5:04 pm

        I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my apple cake, its one of our family favorites!

        Reply
    2. Linda Dimitroff

      November 07, 2023 at 11:38 am

      5 stars
      Chef Dennis you are the best! I love all of your recipes.
      I have been looking for a tasty and easy apple cake recipe for awhile. Well, I finally found it. This cake recipe is tasty and easy. And, I love that this recipe can be made with different fruit.
      I love it and so does my family. Can’t wait to make it for company.
      Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 07, 2023 at 3:16 pm

        I’m happy to hear you have been enjoying my recipes and I hope you like the apple cake as much as we do. It’s a family favorite!

        Reply
    3. Patti

      October 27, 2023 at 9:45 am

      Hi Chef Dennis.
      I love your recipes! I plan on making your Buttery Apple Cake recipe today. I have a question…Can I double this recipe to make for a larger group? If yes, what type and size pan would you recommend. Would the cooking time change?
      Thank you so much

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        October 27, 2023 at 11:15 am

        I would make two cakes or double the recipe and make half a sheet cake. I’m not sure how adding more volume to one cake will work out.

        If you do the half sheet the cooking time should be close to the same, possibly 5 minutes less to cook, so keep an eye on the cake if you go that route.

        Reply
    4. Betty

      October 25, 2023 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      Hi Chef Dennis;

      I just made this last night and it is the best!
      I am a novice in baking and this was easy to follow.
      However, I have question to ask you.
      What happens if the apples are not peeled? Would it be ok?
      Thank you so much for offering your recipe.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        October 25, 2023 at 10:02 am

        YOu can definitely leave the peels on. My only concern is that because this is not a thick cake and doesn’t bake as long as others that they may prove to be a little tough with the skins still on them.

        Reply
    5. Treena

      September 25, 2023 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      This came out so moist and delicious! I did cut back on the sugar and left out the lemon zest. It came out of the pan good also with just spraying it and no flour. Easy recipe I will be making again.

      Reply
    6. Kathy

      September 23, 2023 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      It is absolutely wonderful easy cake!
      I’m just upset with myself for not letting it cool longer in pan before taking it out! It broke up a bit,
      I will absolutely make again!

      Reply
    7. Linda

      September 17, 2023 at 8:17 am

      5 stars
      I think I forgot to rate the recipe – 5 stars for sure!!

      Reply
    8. Linda

      September 17, 2023 at 7:17 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for an apple recipe that wasn’t pie, crisp or bread and saw this. It is delicious and, best of all, so easy, the hardest part is fixing the apples! I had smaller apples so used 4 or 5, depending on size, same with the eggs since I have various sizes of chickens, this recipe is very forgiving! I melt 6 tablespoons of butter in the pan to add to the batter, then melt the 2 T. and cook the apples while I fix the pan, I’ve added any leftover butter with no problem and only used the 3/4cup sugar. I have made three since finding your recipe, one for an ill neighbor, and will make one today, I’m thinking I might try sprinkling some cinnamon sugar on top but we really like it the way it is. I don’t usually comment on things but this is the best recipe I’ve tried in a very long time, thank you for sharing your recipes.
      Linda

      Reply
    9. Femmy Thomas

      September 17, 2023 at 12:19 am

      5 stars
      Delicious 😋 My family enjoyed with this beautiful and very good apple cake‼️
      I appreciate Chef Dennis can share with us.

      Reply
    10. Johann Komurek

      September 16, 2023 at 3:41 pm

      Looks great! Butter part is not clear, why not say to melt 2 tablespoons of butter to sauté the apples, reserving the rest of the stick for the cake.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        September 16, 2023 at 3:46 pm

        You have to melt all the butter, so why not do it all at once? The instructions are all step by step, I’m sorry if you found it confusing but I’m not sure how much clearer it could be.

        Reply
    11. Barbara

      September 16, 2023 at 8:24 am

      Hello. Thank you for sharing this recipe. The recipe calls for 4 oz of butter and in line two of the instructions it says to reserve 6 tbs of butter for later. Do I melt it and then measure out 6 tbs for later and use what is left in the fry pan to cook the apples? 4 oz of butter does not seem like enough to do this. But it must be right, right? Ha ha. I’m sure you love it when us novices question your recipes! Thank you Chef for so generously sharing your recipes with us. Barb B.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        September 16, 2023 at 1:59 pm

        In a large frying pan over low heat, melt all of the butter, then reserve 6 tbs of the butter for later. Measure it out and set it aside.
        The amounts are correct.

        Reply
    12. Sabrina

      October 07, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      My sister said that the apple cake was delicious.

      For more height, I want to bake this in an 8″ pan, how long will I need to bake it.

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        October 07, 2022 at 10:24 pm

        it should only take an additional 5 minutes with an 8-inch pan. Try 35-40 minutes

        Reply
    13. Vito Boccuzzio

      October 01, 2022 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      Dear Chef,
      Made this fabulous cake today, it came out just like the picture and it tastes so good!!!
      Thank you~
      Vito B

      Reply
    14. Judith Cahill

      August 31, 2022 at 10:08 am

      1 stick of butter = 8 oz, not 4. Does the recipe call for 1/2 stick (4 oz) or 1 stick (8 oz)?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        August 31, 2022 at 11:24 am

        one pound of butter has 4 sticks. One stick of butter is 4 ounces. one half pound of butter (two sticks) is 8 ounces

        Reply
    15. Temple

      August 30, 2022 at 3:31 pm

      Where does the tablespoon of lemon go? It’s in the ingredients list, but not in the instructions….

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        August 30, 2022 at 4:17 pm

        thanks for catching that, I recently rewrote the recipe and left the lemon juice out. It goes in step five with the butter, sugar and other ingredients.

        Reply
    16. Kari Alana | Chef and Steward

      October 26, 2020 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      Chef Dennis, you had me at buttery. This is the perfect hassle free autumn dessert and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

      Reply
    17. Gail Montero

      October 26, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      5 stars
      This apple cake would pair perfectly with my morning cup of tea! Love all the chunks of apples in it.

      Reply
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    My name is Dennis Littley or “Chef Dennis” as I’m known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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