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    Home » Recipes » Cake Recipes

    Buttery Apple Cake Recipe

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

    704 shares
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    5 from 89 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.

    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.

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

    My preferred cake pan for all my baking is the 9-inch Chicago Metallic Professional Grade Cake Pan.

    An Off-set Spatula is also one of my favorite kitchen tools for baking. You’ll thank me every time you use it!

    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 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 confectioners sugar, whipped cream or ice cream.

    FAQ Apple Cake

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

    Traditionally everyone suggests Granny Smiths. 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).

    Kitchen tools I use for my cakes

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

    • offset spatula (essential for bakers)
    • 9-inch USA Pan Bakeware cake pans
    • 9-inch parchment cake circles
    • silicone spatulas
    • wire whisk
    • mixing bowls

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    slice of buttery apple cake topped with whipped cream on a white plate
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    5 from 89 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

    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 tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • 2 large whole eggs plus 1 egg yolk
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (if you like a less sweeter cake cut the sugar back to ¾ of a cup)
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • ½ tsp 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 the butter, reserve 6 tbs for later.
    • Add the apple chunks to the pan 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 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. 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
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. 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
    5. 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
    6. 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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