Name: Dutch Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Dutch
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup butter (softened at room temperature); 1 cup sugar; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; ¾ cup milk (at room temperature); 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ cup sugar; 1 Tbsp brown sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 74 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a comforting dessert that brings the cozy flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples together in one irresistible bite, this Dutch Apple Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine a tender, buttery cake base layered with thinly sliced apples, dusted with cinnamon and sugars, baked to a golden perfection. It’s simple, homey, and perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving that sweet, nostalgic hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is one large white bowl filled with white flour, two whole apples with red and yellow skin, a clear measuring cup filled with milk, and a clear bowl with white granulated sugar. Next to them are smaller clear bowls containing brown sugar and white powdered baking soda. A stick of yellow butter with a wrapper, a glass with brown liquid, and a white egg are also placed near the center, all clearly visible from above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Dutch Apple Cake Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of moistness, flavor, and texture. From the soft butter that enriches the batter to the cinnamon-spiced apples that crown the cake with warmth, these simple elements come together to create magic in your oven.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level for accurate measurement to keep the cake light and tender.
1 tsp baking powder: Adds the perfect rise to create a fluffy crumb.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
½ cup butter (softened at room temperature): Provides richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overshadowing the apple topping.
1 large egg (at room temperature): Helps bind and provide structure to the cake batter.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and a lovely aromatic hint to the cake.
¾ cup milk (at room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and cut into thin slices): The star of this recipe—choose firm, crisp apples for the best texture.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice to the apple topping.
¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the apples gently for caramelization during baking.
1 Tbsp brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and helps create a beautiful golden top.

How to Make Dutch Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure your cake bakes evenly and releases easily after finishing. A well-prepared pan is key to getting that perfect rise and clean edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only combines but also aerates these ingredients, giving your cake a lighter texture. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process traps air within the batter, essential for that tender crumb. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to your creamed mixture in small batches. This technique prevents over-mixing and ensures that the batter stays light and tender. Once fully incorporated, pour the batter into your prepared springform pan and smooth the surface.

Step 5: Prepare and Arrange the Apple Topping

Toss your thinly sliced apples with cinnamon, white sugar, and brown sugar until every slice is evenly coated. This mixture is what gives the cake its signature sweet-spiced topping. Gently press the apple slices into neat rows on top of the batter, allowing some overlap but aiming for a single layer to ensure even baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes. When the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! The aroma alone at this point will have you reaching for a plate.

Step 7: Cooling

Remove your Dutch Apple Cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time allows the cake to set, making it easier to slice without crumbling. Cool just enough to enjoy while still slightly warm for that perfect comforting bite.

How to Serve Dutch Apple Cake Recipe

A slice of apple cake rests on a white plate with a lightly textured surface, sprinkled with powdered sugar around it. The cake has two visible layers: a thick, soft, light yellow sponge base and a top layer of thin apple slices arranged neatly, browned slightly with cinnamon for a warm golden color. In the background, there is a whole apple cake with the same apple slice pattern on top, placed on a white marbled surface with a light blue textured cloth under the plate, and a metal fork sits next to the cake slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates the presentation and adds a creamy or sweet balance to the spiced apple topping. For a richer experience, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns this cake into an indulgent treat.

Side Dishes

Pair this Dutch Apple Cake Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for an ideal afternoon snack or dessert. It also complements a light salad or cheese plate if served during brunch or a casual gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, drizzle warm caramel sauce over individual cake slices or sprinkle toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch. Serving it in a rustic wooden board alongside apple slices and cinnamon sticks makes a charming centerpiece for your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Dutch Apple Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to cover it well to maintain moisture and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When stored properly, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the fresh-baked warmth of your cake, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. Adding a little butter or serving with a warm sauce enhances that just-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Dutch Apple Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for their tartness and ability to hold shape, you can experiment with any apple you enjoy. Just keep in mind that sweeter, softer apples might make the topping a little mushier.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help the cake maintain its structure and moisture.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking into the cake?

Pressing the apples gently into the batter without submerging them helps keep them on top. The sugar and cinnamon mix also caramelizes quickly during baking, which helps the apples set in place rather than sinking.

Can I make this Dutch Apple Cake Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use plant-based butters and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk as substitutes. They may slightly alter the flavor or texture, but the overall deliciousness of the cake remains intact.

What’s the best way to slice this cake?

Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to maintain clean edges, especially since the apple topping can be sticky and moist. Cutting the cake when it’s slightly warm or at room temperature yields the best slices.

Final Thoughts

This Dutch Apple Cake Recipe is truly one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Its simplicity in ingredients paired with the delicious, cozy flavors makes it a must-try for anyone who loves baking or just craves a homemade treat to brighten the day. Give it a go—you won’t regret filling your kitchen with this mouthwatering aroma and your heart with pure joy.