The Best Apple Cake Loaf Recipe
Picture this: your kitchen filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, while golden slices of tender apple cake loaf cool on your counter. This isn’t just any dessert – it’s comfort food at its finest. My grandmother’s apple cake loaf recipe has been perfected over generations, combining the sweetness of fresh apples…
Picture this: your kitchen filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, while golden slices of tender apple cake loaf cool on your counter. This isn’t just any dessert – it’s comfort food at its finest. My grandmother’s apple cake loaf recipe has been perfected over generations, combining the sweetness of fresh apples with warming spices in every bite.
Unlike our popular banana bread recipe, this apple cake loaf stays incredibly moist for days and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy families. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite treat!
What is Apple Cake Loaf?
Ever wondered why we call it a “loaf” when it’s clearly cake? Well, this delightful confusion comes from its bread-like shape and incredibly dense, moist texture that resembles quick bread more than traditional layer cake. The name “apple cake loaf” perfectly captures its dual personality – it’s fancy enough for dessert yet hearty enough for breakfast with your morning coffee.
As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this apple-packed beauty certainly proves that point! Ready to bake some magic?
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake Loaf
Rich, Moist Texture That Melts in Your Mouth
This apple cake loaf delivers an incredibly tender crumb that’s packed with chunks of fresh apples and warm spices. Each slice bursts with natural apple sweetness, complemented by hints of cinnamon and vanilla that create the perfect autumn flavor profile.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Making this apple cake loaf at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at fancy bakeries. With simple pantry staples and affordable fresh apples, you can create a gourmet-tasting dessert that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, this apple cake loaf adapts to any occasion. The addition of a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting elevates it instantly, while it’s equally delicious plain. Unlike our chocolate chip muffin recipe, this loaf actually improves with time, staying moist for up to a week when properly stored.
Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Apple Cake Loaf
Quick Overview
This apple cake loaf comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time and bakes to perfection in about an hour. The secret lies in using both grated and chunked apples for maximum flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 8-10 slices
Key Ingredients for Apple Cake Loaf
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice
Star Ingredients:
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, grated
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and lightly dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and melted butter until smooth. Add both sugars and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture lightens slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and apple cider.
Prepare the Apples
Peel and dice the Granny Smith apples into ½-inch chunks. Grate the Honeycrisp apple using the large holes of a box grater. The combination of chunked and grated apples creates perfect texture contrast.
Combine Everything
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few flour streaks are perfectly fine. Fold in the diced apples, grated apple, and walnuts if using.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents crumbling and ensures clean cuts.
What to Serve Apple Cake Loaf With
Perfect Breakfast Pairings Serve thick slices with hot coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for a cozy morning treat. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey makes it even more special.
Elegant Dessert Options Transform your apple cake loaf into an impressive dessert by pairing it with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds the perfect finishing touch.
Afternoon Tea Companions Slice thinly and serve alongside herbal teas, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk for an afternoon pick-me-up that satisfies without being too heavy.
Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Cake Loaf
Choose the Right Apple Varieties
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for complex flavor. Granny Smith provides tartness and holds its shape, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness and moisture. Avoid Red Delicious or other soft varieties that become mushy when baked.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix ingredients until just combined to ensure a tender crumb. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough, dense loaf instead of the light, moist texture we’re after.
Test for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If it comes out completely clean, your loaf may be slightly overbaked.
Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
Bring eggs to room temperature by placing them in warm water for 10 minutes. This ensures better mixing and a more even texture throughout your finished loaf.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage Store your apple cake loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 5 days at room temperature. The high moisture content from the apples helps maintain freshness.
Refrigerator Storage For longer storage, wrap the loaf and refrigerate for up to 10 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day, making this an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Freezing Instructions Wrap the completely cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating Methods Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or toast lightly for a crispy exterior. For whole loaf reheating, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/10 of loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work best, you can substitute with Braeburn, Fuji, or Jonathan apples. Avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious that break down too much during baking.
How do I know when my apple cake loaf is done baking?
The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Internal temperature should reach 200°F.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or ¼ cup mashed banana. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
Why did my apple cake loaf sink in the middle?
This usually happens from overmixing the batter, opening the oven door too early, or incorrect oven temperature. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the door for the first 45 minutes of baking.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding ½ cup of dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or chopped pecans. Reduce other add-ins proportionally to maintain proper batter consistency.
How far in advance can I make this apple cake loaf?
This loaf actually tastes better the next day! Make it up to 3 days ahead and store covered at room temperature. The flavors meld beautifully over time.
Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?
Yes! Divide the batter between 4 mini loaf pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick as baking times may vary.
What’s the best way to slice this loaf without it crumbling?
Use a sharp serrated knife and let the loaf cool completely before slicing. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest presentation.
This apple cake loaf recipe brings together the best of fall flavors in one incredibly moist and delicious loaf. Whether you’re a beginner baker or experienced in the kitchen, this foolproof recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time. The combination of fresh apples, warm spices, and simple techniques makes this a perfect recipe to add to your regular rotation. Happy baking!
