Introduction

This Quick & Easy Apple Cake is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, made simple with a convenient cake mix. The addition of cinnamon and fresh Granny Smith apples adds warmth and freshness to every bite. It’s an ideal dessert for any occasion that comes together in no time.

A close-up of a thick, round bundt cake with a golden-brown crust and uneven, bumpy texture on top. The cake shows visible chunks of light beige apple pieces inside the layers, with the cake dough appearing moist and dense. It is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar, adding a soft contrast on the darker golden crust. The cake sits on a white marbled surface and is placed on a black round pan, with a soft textured beige cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (18.25 oz, Duncan Hines recommended)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cinnamon powder
2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
Eggs, water, and oil (as directed on the cake mix box)

Instructions

Step 1: Peel, core, and dice the Granny Smith apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Set them aside until you are ready to add them to the batter. Using tart apples helps balance the sweetness of the cake.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix following the package instructions for a 10-inch tube pan, which usually involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, water, and oil.
Step 3: Stir the cinnamon powder and vanilla extract into the prepared batter until evenly combined.
Step 4: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed but not overmixed to keep the apples intact.
Step 5: Grease a 10-inch tube pan and pour the batter evenly into it. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before unmolding. This helps maintain the cake’s shape and yields a tender crumb.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
Try using a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top when serving for a decadent twist.
If you prefer, substitute the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a different warm spice profile.

Storage

Store the apple cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to enjoy a warm piece.

How to Serve

A close-up of a round bundt cake with a thick, rough texture and a rich golden-brown color. The cake has visible chunks of light brown apple pieces embedded in the sides, showing through the bumpy surface. The top is irregular and domed with a slightly cracked, toasted appearance, dusted evenly with a fine layer of white powdered sugar. It sits on a black cake pan placed on a white marbled surface, with a soft beige cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cake mix flavors instead of yellow?

Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes like spice or white cake, but keep in mind it may alter the overall flavor balance.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you don’t mind a bit of extra chew, leaving the peels on is fine and adds nutrients.