Simple Apple Cake
This easy apple cake is made from simple everyday ingredients. Milk and butter keep the crumb soft, while sugar and melted butter create a lightly crisp caramelized topping.
Updated : 09 November, 2026
Easy
About 45 min.
Preparation
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients. Take the refrigerated ingredients out in advance so they can come to room temperature. Use good-quality butter. The number of apples may vary depending on their size and the diameter of the baking pan.
Step 2
Melt the butter using your preferred method, then let it cool.
Step 3
Crack the egg into a bowl and begin beating with a mixer on low speed, then gradually increase the speed. While beating, add the sugar in portions along with the vanilla and salt.
Step 4
Beat until the egg mixture becomes pale and fluffy. Pour in the milk and about two-thirds of the melted butter, reserving the rest for the top of the cake. Mix again with the mixer.
Step 5
Combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually sift it into the liquid mixture in small portions. Depending on the flour, you may need slightly more or less than stated.
Step 6
Mix the batter with a whisk until smooth and free of lumps. It should have the consistency of thin sour cream.
Step 7
Cut the apples into quarters and remove the cores and seeds. Slice the quarters thinly. Peel the apples if desired.
Step 8
Line the bottom and sides of a suitable baking pan with parchment paper. The original recipe uses an 8-inch round springform pan. Pour in the batter and arrange the apple slices over the top. Use as many apples as will comfortably fit.
Step 9
Sprinkle the top with sugar and drizzle with the remaining melted butter.
Step 10
Bake in an oven preheated to 355°F, using conventional top-and-bottom heat without convection, for 30–45 minutes. Check doneness with a wooden skewer inserted into the center; it should come out dry.
Step 11
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Take it out of the pan, remove the parchment paper and serve.