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Easy One Bowl Apple Cake Recipe

Easy One Bowl Apple Cake

A tender, cinnamon-scented apple cake made in one bowl with chopped apples, pantry staples, and optional walnuts or pecans. This simple 9-inch square cake makes approximately 8–10 servings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 3 medium medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped or thinly sliced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup neutral-flavored vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional Finish
  • as needed powdered sugar

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In one large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, neutral oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
  3. Add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to the same bowl. Stir only until the dry ingredients are incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
  4. Fold in the prepared apples and optional chopped walnuts or pecans. The batter will be thick and heavily studded with fruit.
  5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 40–50 minutes, checking the center with a toothpick until it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool the cake in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving, if desired.

Notes

Choose Granny Smith for a tart cake, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious for a sweeter result, or combine tart and sweet apples. Store covered at room temperature for a short period or refrigerate for longer storage.