Ultra Creamy Apple Pie Cake

Here’s a rich and cozy dessert mashup: the Ultra Creamy Apple Pie Cake — it’s like a cross between a soft vanilla cake, a custardy apple pie, and a gooey bread pudding. Warm spiced apples are tucked into a creamy batter that bakes into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

🍏 Ultra Creamy Apple Pie Cake

(Warm, custardy, and loaded with apple pie flavor!)

🕒 Total Time: ~1 hour

Serves: 8–10

🧾 Ingredients:

For the apple layer:

3–4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced thin
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice

For the creamy cake batter:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
Optional: ¼ tsp ground ginger or allspice

For the custard swirl (optional, for extra creaminess):

½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 egg
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp vanilla

🔪 Instructions:

1. Prepare the apple mixture:

In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and coated in syrup.
Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Preheat the oven:

To 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or deep cake pan.

3. Make the cake batter:

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt (and any extra spices).
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet, alternating with milk. Don’t overmix.

4. Optional custard swirl:

Whisk sour cream, egg, sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.

5. Assemble:

Pour half the cake batter into the pan.
Spoon half the sautéed apples over it.
Dollop some custard swirl (if using).
Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and custard.
Lightly swirl with a butter knife for a marbled effect.

6. Bake:

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (moist crumbs are okay).
The center should be just set with a slightly wobbly texture if using custard.

7. Cool & serve:

Let cool for 15–20 minutes. Serve warm, or chill for a firmer texture.
Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

💡 Tips:

Make ahead: This cake gets even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Apple swap: Pears or a mix of apples/pears also work beautifully.
More texture? Add chopped pecans or a crumble topping before baking.