Grandma’s Apple Cake

I am nothing if not a nostalgic person. There’s something truly special about recipes that have been passed down through generations, and it’s something I want to keep going. Every time I make a family recipe, it hold so many memories of family gatherings, cozy kitchens, and the simple joy of baking with my grandma or sitting around the kitchen table with everyone eating a warm dessert.

My Grandma’s apple cake is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s delightfully easy to make, filled with comforting flavors, and guaranteed to remind you of home. This recipe LOOKS like you painstakingly labored over it but is actually super easy (my favorite kind!). It’s the perfect fall dessert – warm, cozy, apple goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This apple cake is wonderfully simple — no fancy techniques or complicated steps required. The batter comes together quickly, then gets topped with rows of fresh apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and just a touch of butter for richness. The result? A golden, tender cake with a crisp sugary topping that tastes like pure nostalgia.

What Apples Work Best for Apple Cake?

Choosing the right apple makes all the difference! Since this cake has a sweet cinnamon sugar topping, you’ll want apples that balance that sweetness with a little tartness. Obviously, the best apples to use are the ones you have (bonus points if they’re the ones off your own tree!). But if you’re heading to an orchard specifically for this recipe, some of the best options include:

• Granny Smith – tart and firm, they hold up beautifully in baking.
• Honeycrisp – juicy, crisp, and slightly sweet, for a well-rounded flavor.
• Braeburn – firm with a balanced sweet-tart taste.
• Jonathan or Jonagold – classic baking apples that bring old-fashioned flavor.

If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can also use Gala or Fuji apples — just know they’ll soften more and create a moister topping.

How To Make This Apple Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• ¾ cup sugar (for batter)
• 3 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup sugar (for topping)
• Cinnamon (to taste)
• 1–2 Tbsp butter (for dotting on top)
• Apples, sliced

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• Mix together flour, ¾ cup sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and egg until smooth. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
• Slice apples and arrange in neat rows over the batter. I prefer to peel my apples (this corer/peeler/slicer is absolutely perfect for this and I couldn’t live without it for most of my fall baking in general).

• Sprinkle with ¾ cup sugar and a generous dusting of cinnamon.
• Dot the top with small cubes of butter.

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the apples are tender.

This Apple Cake is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your heart feel full. It’s one of the first recipes I reach for when it’s finally apple season. It’s the perfect treat for fall afternoons, family get togethers, or anytime you’re craving a little homemade comfort. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a tall glass of cold milk, and you’ll understand why this recipe has been passed down in my family for generations.

Looking for the perfect fall drink to have while sitting around the table with family? Try our Caramel Apple Cider, Apple Crisp Chai Latte, or an iced coffee with Caramel Cold Foam.

Print Recipe

Grandma Hanson’s Dutch Apple Cake Recipe

A tender cake topped with fresh apples, cinnamon-sugar, and butter. It's a simple, cozy, and nostalgic dessert that tastes like fall.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Keyword: apple, apple bars, apple dessert, fall dessert

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• ¾ cup sugar for batter
• 3 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup sugar for topping
• Cinnamon to taste
• 1 –2 Tbsp butter for dotting on top
• 3-4 Apples sliced, depending on size

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• Mix together flour, ¾ cup sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and egg until smooth. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
• Slice apples and arrange in neat rows over the batter.
• Sprinkle with ¾ cup sugar and a generous dusting of cinnamon.
• Dot the top with small cubes of butter.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the apples are tender.