Easy Apple Cake Traybake 5 Ingredients

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of heaven – that’s exactly what happens with this incredibly moist and flavorful apple cake traybake! Picture tender chunks of sweet apples nestled in a perfectly spiced cake that’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been baking it every week. This delightful treat combines the comfort of homemade cake with the convenience of traybake simplicity.

What is Apple Cake Traybake?

Ever wondered why we call it a “traybake”? Well, it’s quite simple really – we bake it in a tray! But there’s more magic to this name than meets the eye. This rustic, no-fuss approach to baking means you can feed a crowd without the hassle of individual portions.

As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this apple cake traybake is your golden ticket! Ready to become the neighborhood’s favorite baker?

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake Traybake

The Perfect Texture Balance This apple cake traybake delivers the most incredible moist crumb you’ve ever experienced. Fresh apple pieces create pockets of natural sweetness while keeping the cake incredibly tender. The edges develop a slightly golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Budget-Friendly Family Favorite Making this cake at home costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh apples, you’ll create a dessert that rivals expensive bakery treats. Your family will think you’ve splurged when you’ve actually saved money!

Irresistible Flavor Combination The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the natural sweetness of apples perfectly. A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile, creating a cake that tastes like autumn in every bite. If you love our popular banana bread recipe, this apple traybake will become your new obsession! Why not give it a try this weekend?

How to Make Apple Cake Traybake

Quick Overview

This apple cake traybake is wonderfully straightforward and forgiving. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just mix, pour, and bake!

Key features:

• One-bowl mixing method
• Rich, moist texture from fresh apples
• Warm spice blend that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas
• Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes

Key Ingredients for Apple Cake Traybake

For the Cake:

• 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter and dust lightly with flour. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples Peel and core your apples, then dice them into ½-inch pieces. Toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside this dry mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients In another bowl, beat together melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and milk.

Step 5: Create the Batter Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined – don’t overmix. Fold in the flour-coated apple pieces evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Traybake Pour batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. If using the topping, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the surface, then dot with butter pieces. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve Apple Cake Traybake With

Perfect Pairings:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic dessert
• Hot coffee or spiced chai tea for afternoon treats
• Caramel sauce drizzled on top for extra indulgence
• Fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness
• A dollop of crème fraîche for elegant entertaining

Meal Ideas:

• Weekend brunch alongside scrambled eggs and bacon
• After-school snack with a glass of cold milk
• Potluck dinner contribution that feeds a crowd
• Holiday dessert table centerpiece

Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Cake Traybake

Choose the Right Apples Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape and provide tartness. Honeycrisp and Braeburn are excellent alternatives that add natural sweetness.

Don’t Overmix the Batter Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Fold ingredients just until combined for the most tender texture.

Test for Doneness Properly The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry out your beautiful cake.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added nutrition
• Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor
• Use Greek yogurt instead of half the butter for a lighter version
• Try almond milk instead of whole milk for dairy-free option

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using overripe apples that turn mushy during baking
• Opening the oven door too frequently, which causes temperature fluctuations
• Cutting the cake too soon before it’s properly cooled

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate covered cake for up to 1 week. The flavors actually improve after a day or two!

Freezing Instructions: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Methods:

• Microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds
• Warm slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes
• Enjoy cold straight from the fridge – it’s delicious either way!

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (12 servings)
Calories	285
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	215mg
Total Carbs	52g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	38g
Protein	4g
Vitamin C	8% DV
Calcium	6% DV

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Avoid very soft varieties like Red Delicious.

How do I know when the cake is properly done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For the cleanest cuts, chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing.

Can I double this recipe?

Certainly! Double all ingredients and use two 9×13 inch pans, or bake in a large sheet pan. Adjust baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

How can I make this cake more festive?

Add a cream cheese glaze, dust with powdered sugar, or top with chopped walnuts before baking. A caramel drizzle also makes it extra special.

Why did my apples sink to the bottom?

Tossing the diced apples in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter helps prevent sinking. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thin.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Creative Variations to Try

Apple Cinnamon Roll Traybake Swirl cinnamon sugar through the batter before baking and top with cream cheese glaze.

Caramel Apple Version Add ½ cup caramel chips to the batter and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce after cooling.

Healthy Makeover Substitute applesauce for half the butter, use whole wheat flour, and reduce sugar by ¼ cup.

Spiced Apple Chai Add cardamom, ginger, and cloves along with the cinnamon for an exotic twist.

Apple Pecan Crunch Top with a mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter before baking for added texture.

This apple cake traybake truly is the perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, potluck dinner, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe delivers every single time. The tender, moist cake studded with juicy apple pieces will have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe!

Remember, the best part about traybakes is their forgiving nature. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe will make you look like a pro. So grab those apples, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your home with the most incredible aroma. Happy baking!