This Apple Honey Cake is a sweet delight, filled with juicy apples and a hint of honey. It’s soft, moist, and perfect for any season. Plus, it’s easy to make!
I love how the warm spices fill my kitchen with a cozy smell. It’s the perfect treat with a cup of tea. Don’t forget to share it with friends—if you can! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using a mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples for the best flavor contrast. If you can’t find fresh apples, unsweetened applesauce can work too—just reduce the liquid in your batter a bit.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking for a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can do the job, but note that they may slightly alter the flavor.
Unsalted Butter: While unsalted butter enhances the cake’s flavor, you can swap it with coconut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: These ingredients keep the cake moist. For a lighter version, you could use Greek yogurt, or if you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based yogurt.
How Do You Ensure the Cake Comes Out Perfectly Moist?
To maintain the cake’s moisture, follow these simple steps:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients gently; overmixing can create a dense cake.
- Make sure your butter is warm but not hot when mixing—it helps keep the batter light.
- Don’t skip the cooling time! Letting it rest before inverting allows the cake to set, making it easier to slice.
- Drizzle honey on top while the cake is still warm for added moisture and flavor.
With these tips, you’re on the road to a delicious, moist Apple Honey Cake that’s sure to impress!
Apple Honey Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Estimate:
This Apple Honey Cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-50 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving, bringing the total time to around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a lovely afternoon tea or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, prepare your cake pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper to make release easy later.
2. Prepare the Honey Butter:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and melted butter. Stir until they are mixed and smooth. Once combined, take it off the heat and set it aside. This will give your cake a deliciously sweet glaze.
3. Arrange the Apples:
Now, it’s time to make the bottom layer shine! Arrange the thin apple slices in a beautiful overlapping circular pattern in the bottom of your prepared pan. Pour about 2 tablespoons of the honey-butter mixture over the apples to give them a lovely shine and flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps evenly distribute the baking powder for a good rise.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. Then, mix in the yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in the remaining honey-butter mixture until well combined.
6. Combine Dry with Wet:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a denser texture. We want a light and fluffy cake!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Gently pour the batter over the arranged apple slices in the pan, spreading it out evenly. This step is all about being gentle so you don’t disturb the apples too much.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes. To see if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
9. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps it set up just enough to flip it without breaking.
10. Invert and Serve:
Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake. Carefully invert it onto a serving plate, allowing the apple layer to be on top. If you’d like, drizzle some additional honey over the top for that extra sweetness before serving. Enjoy your moist, aromatic Apple Honey Cake warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy every slice of this delightful treat! Sweet, fluffy, and bursting with apple goodness – it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works best for a balanced flavor. If you only have one variety, that’s fine too—just make sure they are good for baking!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, as it helps provide structure to the cake.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store leftover Apple Honey Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add great texture and flavor. You can also throw in some raisins or cranberries for a fruity addition. Just be mindful of the balance to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the cake.
