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apple cake slice with soft crumb and chunks of baked apples on white plate

Apple and Sour Cream Cake

Richard KlausRichard Klaus
This delightful apple and sour cream cake is a moist, flavorful treat that captures the essence of fall. Perfect for any occasion, it combines sweet apples with creamy sour cream for a rich, satisfying dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch round cake pan greased and floured
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit and Spice

  • 2 apples peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray, then lightly flouring it. This will help ensure your cake releases easily after baking.
  • Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. Toss them with cinnamon to evenly coat. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

Mixing the Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Gently fold the prepared apples into the batter, being careful not to overmix to maintain the batter's texture.

Baking the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storing

  • Slice the cooled cake and serve as is, or dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
  • Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Pro Tips: Measure your ingredients accurately and allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for best results.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option, or add nuts for extra crunch.
How to Serve: Enjoy with a warm beverage like apple cider or coffee.
Storage & Freshness: Keep in an airtight container or wrap and freeze for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare and freeze the batter in advance, then bake when needed.
Keyword Apple and Sour Cream Cake, easy apple cake recipe, sour cream dessert