Apple Loaf Cake Recipe: Moist, Sweet, and Comforting

There’s nothing quite like a warm, fragrant apple loaf cake fresh out of the oven. This classic comfort bake combines juicy apples, warm spices, and a tender crumb, making it perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or holiday gatherings. Whether served plain, drizzled with glaze, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this loaf cake is as versatile as it is delicious.

For another apple-forward dessert, check out this rustic apple galette that’s just as comforting but with a flaky pastry twist.

Apple Loaf Cake Recipe: Moist, Sweet, and Comforting

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• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

There’s nothing quite like a warm, fragrant apple loaf cake fresh out of the oven. This classic comfort bake combines juicy apples, warm spices, and a tender crumb, making it perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Mix in yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Fold in diced apples and nuts if using.
6. Pour batter into loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Dust the top with cinnamon sugar for a crunchy crust. Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for a dessert-worthy finish. Use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: apple loaf cake, apple dessert, fall baking, spiced cake

Why You’ll Love It

• Moist texture: Fresh apples keep the loaf soft and tender.
• Warm spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy fall flavor.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together easily.
• Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or with coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Mix in yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Fold in diced apples and nuts if using.
6. Pour batter into loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Dust the top with cinnamon sugar before baking for a crunchy crust.
• Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
• Drizzle with cream cheese glaze for a dessert-worthy finish.
• Use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

Serving Suggestions

This loaf cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive dessert spread, serve alongside caramel apple cheesecake bars or a slice of moist pumpkin bread .

Storage

Store leftover apple loaf cake wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze slices individually in plastic wrap and a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

More to Try

• Easy apple crisp with oats
• Baked apple fritters
• Slow cooker apple butter

Conclusion

This apple loaf cake is the ultimate cozy bake—moist, spiced, and full of apple flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Perfect for fall, the holidays, or anytime you’re craving a slice of comfort.