Simple Small Batch Apple Cake
A cozy, easy-to-make apple cake that requires just one bowl and no mixer. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without creating a mountain of leftovers.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 150kcal
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled Spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Can substitute with pumpkin pie spice.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cardamom Optional.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Reduce to 1/3 cup if apples are very sweet.
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup neutral oil or melted unsalted butter, slightly cooled Choose oil for moisture or butter for flavor.
- 1/3 cup milk or plain yogurt Yogurt gives a gentle tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits and Toppings
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples, small dice Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar for topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6 or 7 inch round pan, lining the bottom with parchment.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Add sugar, egg, oil or melted butter, milk or yogurt, and vanilla directly into the same bowl and whisk until the batter is smooth.
Baking
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using until evenly distributed.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake for 22 to 30 minutes, checking at 22 minutes for doneness.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10 seconds for a soft crumb.