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.