If you’re craving a comforting, homemade dessert but don’t want to break the bank, cheap soft apple cake is the perfect solution. This simple, budget-friendly cake combines the sweetness of apples with a soft, moist texture, making it an irresistible treat. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is ideal for using up any extra apples you have lying around. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or just a sweet treat after dinner, this soft apple cake is sure to satisfy your cravings without emptying your wallet.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or any firm variety)
- 200g all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 150g granulated sugar (about 3/4 cup)
- 100g butter, melted (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 150ml milk (about 2/3 cup)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly. Set aside.
- If you want extra flavor, you can toss the apple slices in a little cinnamon and sugar, but this step is optional.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep the cake light and soft.
Step 3: Add the Apples
- Gently fold in the sliced apples into the cake batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back slightly when touched.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the cake is fully cooled, dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a simple garnish, if desired.
- Slice and serve the cake on its own, or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
- Apple variety: While any variety of apple can be used, firmer apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn will hold up well in the cake and add a slight tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Spice it up: Feel free to add extra spices like nutmeg or allspice to give the cake a more aromatic flavor.
- Butter substitute: If you want to make the cake a bit lighter, you can substitute the butter with vegetable oil. This will also help keep the cake moist.
- Vary the texture: For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Make it dairy-free: To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with margarine or a non-dairy alternative and use a plant-based milk like almond milk.
This cheap soft apple cake is a fantastic dessert that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to make something delicious. The natural sweetness and moisture from the apples, combined with the soft, fluffy texture of the cake, make it a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to use up apples before they spoil, and the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have at home.
Perfect for any occasion, this cake is not only affordable but also incredibly satisfying. Serve it as a sweet afternoon treat with a cup of tea or as a comforting dessert after dinner. Regardless of the occasion, this apple cake is sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire.