Our best ever apple cake recipes

Traybakes

1. Dorset apple traybake

A bowl of Dorset apple traybake cake topped with ice cream, served with a spoon.

Simple to make and easily divided into neat slices, this classic apple traybake is perfect for a coffee morning or to serve at any casual gathering. A couple of Bramley apples are the secret ingredient. Expect this fluffy and moist delight to disappear as soon as it’s out of the oven.

2. Caramelised apple cake with streusel topping

Soft cake with a crunchy streusel topping is so moreish and makes this caramelised apple cake a teatime winner. What also makes it addictive is the extra layer of caramel sweetness achieved by browning the apples in light brown sugar before baking. The streusel topping has toasted hazelnuts, a dash of cinnamon and brown sugar for flavour and texture.

3. Spiced toffee apple cake

A spiced toffee apple cake with caramel drizzle and sliced apples on top.

This one is sugar, spice and everything nice! Our spiced toffee apple cake uses dates for sweetness and squidgy texture plus a toffee drizzle over pretty slices of red apple. A splash of dark rum in the sauce is naughty but nice, but you can leave that out if treating the kids. They’ll love this twist on toffee apples – and it’s something of a showstopper, perfect for Bonfire Night.

4. Apple pie bars

A tray of apple pie bars cut into squares

Sit back and enjoy one of our crumbly, moist apple pie bars – an easy to make treat to go with a cup of tea. Made using just eight simple ingredients, these apple pie bars are also budget-friendly. Apples are in season all year round, but are especially abundant in August and September.

Loaf cakes

5. Caramel apple loaf cake

A caramel apple loaf cake topped with nuts and walnuts.

We love a loaf cake, because they’re simple and easy to customise. Greek yogurt helps to keep this cake extra moist and the toffee ganache will keep guests coming back for another slice. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts for an extra bit of crunch. Serve with custard on the side for a luxurious dessert on cold nights.

6. Apple crumble loaf

Apple crumble loaf cake with the front in slices

This rustic bake combines two favourites: apple crumble and apple cake. Our crumble loaf is full of raisins and spice, too, with a nutty topping to turn it into something a bit special. Ideal for bake sales, birthdays or a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Round cakes

7. Apple & blackberry cake

An apple & blackberry cake on a white plate.

Everyone loves a fruity sponge with moist, tangy pearls of cooked berries. If you’ve foraged your own blackberries, make the most of them in this delightful apple & blackberry cake. Eat warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy a slice with friends at an informal afternoon tea. It’s also a comforting end to Sunday dinner.

8. Apple & walnut cake

An apple and walnut cake with a single slice removed.

This apple & walnut cake is made from an all-in-one recipe, so you can have it on the table in just over an hour if you need something quick but impressive for an impromptu visit. The rich treacle icing is the final flourish, but if you prefer something a little lighter, try using golden syrup instead. Fruit and nut is a classic combination, and you’ll keep coming back to this one.

9. Toffee apple cake

Looking for a challenge? This toffee apple cake marries classic autumnal flavours including ginger, apple and cinnamon into a showstopping bake. The miniature toffee apples are a fleeting but gorgeous decoration which mirrors the flavours of the bake. For a more rustic decoration, top with sprigs of rosemary and bay leaves.

10. Vegan apple cake

Fill your cake tin with this delectable vegan apple and almond cake – a crowd-pleasing bake that satisfies both dairy-free and vegan diets, as well as anyone who loves a delicious treat.