This Apple Honey Cake is a warm and sweet treat, perfect for any occasion. The juicy apples mixed with honey make it moist and delicious, with a hint of cinnamon that brings cozy vibes!
Baking this cake fills the kitchen with an amazing smell that makes it hard to wait for it to cool down. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a match made in heaven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. If you prefer, you can swap for pears if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Honey: Though this recipe calls for regular honey, feel free to use local or flavored honey like wildflower or clover for a unique twist. Maple syrup could also work as an alternative if you’re looking for a different sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt levels. However, if you need a dairy-free option, replace it with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but using whole wheat flour can add more nutrients. You could also try gluten-free flour blends if needed, keeping in mind the texture might differ slightly.
How Do You Get the Cake to Bake Evenly?
Baking this cake perfectly is all about the right technique. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven to ensure even baking from the start.
- Make sure to measure your flour accurately. Spoon it into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly, which can pack it and lead to a dense cake.
- Don’t open the oven door frequently while baking! This can cause the cake to sink.
- For testing if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, you’re all set.
Remember, practicing patience during the cooling process helps set the cake’s structure!
How to Make Apple Honey Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons honey (plus extra for glazing)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. So, in total, you can have your Apple Honey Cake ready in roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes—perfect for dessert or a cozy afternoon snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This will help prevent the cake from sticking once it’s baked.
2. Set Up the Apples:
Arrange the thin apple slices in a circular pattern at the bottom of the prepared pan. This will be the beautiful topping for your cake. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the apple slices and set the pan aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which is key for a great cake!
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each one. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
6. Combine Everything Together:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting with the dry ingredients and ending with them. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until everything is smooth.
7. Pour and Bake:
Gently pour the batter over the apple slices in the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Add the Honey Glaze:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately drizzle the remaining tablespoon of honey over the warm cake. This will give it a lovely glaze and enhance the flavor!
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate—the apple slices will be glistening on top! You can enjoy this cake warm or at room temperature.
For an extra treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delicious Apple Honey Cake!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples for This Cake?
Absolutely! While this recipe works well with sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, you can try other varieties like Fuji or Gala for different flavors. Just ensure they’re firm enough to hold up in baking.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, and keep in mind that the cake might have a slightly different texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its freshness, but be aware that the texture may change slightly.
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
