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I absolutely love this One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake! It’s simple, flavorful, and just packed with all the cozy, appley goodness you crave on a crisp fall day. This cake is so easy to whip up—just grab one bowl and a spatula, and you’re on your way to a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for dessert, a snack, or even breakfast! Seriously, who wouldn’t want to start their day with a slice of this deliciousness?
With this quick recipe, you can mix everything up while your dinner is cooking, and by the time you finish your meal, the kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of warm spices and fresh apples. No need for fancy toppings; this Mostly Apples Cake is a showstopper all on its own!
Why You’ll Love This One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake
There’s so much to love about this easy cake. Here are just a few reasons:
- One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your cake!
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg create that cozy vibe we all adore.
- Tender Texture with Crunch: A soft crumb meets tender apples and crunchy walnuts—pure bliss.
- Versatile Ingredients: Swap in different fruits or nuts to make it your own.

Key Ingredients in One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake
Let’s talk about the simple ingredients that make this Mostly Apples Cake so special:
- Tart apples (think Mutsu, Jonathan, or Honeycrisp for that perfect bake)
- Dark brown sugar (for that rich, sweet flavor)
- Cinnamon and nutmeg (because, duh, it’s fall!)
- Walnuts (or go wild with pecans or hazelnuts)
- Vanilla extract (hello, flavor!)
- All-purpose flour (to hold it all together)
Tips for the Best One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake
Want to make sure your cake is a hit? Here are some pro tips:
- Choose Tart Apples: Baking apples like Mutsu or Honeycrisp soften beautifully while keeping their shape—trust me on this.
- Try Add-Ins: Throw in some pecans or a hint of espresso powder, or rum for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve It Warm: This cake is like a warm hug—delicious fresh out of the oven or topped with a dollop of yogurt or ice cream.
Pan Size Variations for One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake
Depending on what you’ve got in your kitchen, here’s how you can switch it up:
- 8-inch Square Pan: A thicker cake, baked for about 30–35 minutes of pure joy.
- 8-inch Round Pan: Bake for about 30–35 minutes.
- 9-inch Round or Springform Pan: A flatter cake that cooks quicker; around 25–30 minutes will do.
- 9x5x3-inch Loaf Pan: Bake a bit longer, about 45-55 minutes, until that toothpick comes out clean.

Fun Variations of Mostly Apples Cake
Feeling adventurous? Here are a couple of easy twists on this One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake:
- Mostly Peach Cake: Swap those apples for chopped peaches or nectarines! Just keep in mind, juicy peaches make this cake best eaten quickly or stored in the fridge.
- Mostly Pear Cake: Use pears instead of apples and try hazelnuts or pecans for a nutty twist that’s just as tasty.
The Perfect Cozy Fall Dessert
This One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake is the perfect fall treat—great as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast. It’s a simple, family-friendly recipe that’s easy enough for kids to help with, too! The best part? Your kitchen will smell like a warm autumn hug while it bakes. So, whether it’s a busy day or a quiet night, this easy, delicious cake is sure to become your go-to fall favorite!
Inspiration for this recipe comes from Yossy Arefi’s Snacking Cakes, a cookbook bursting with easy, one-bowl cakes perfect for everyday baking.

One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 350℉. Butter or coat an 8-inch square or round baking pan with nonstick spray. Line the pan with a strip of parchment paper that hangs over two of the edges.
- In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and eggs until pale and foamy, about 1 minute. Add the oil, whiskey (if using). vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, expresso powder (if using), and salt. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda and whisk until well-combined and smooth.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the apples and ¼ cup (25g) of the nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to gently smooth the top, making sure the apples are well dispersed and go all the way to the edges of the pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup (25g) nuts over the cake.
- Bake until puffed and golden, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes. There may be a bit of moisture on the tester from the apples. Set the pan on a rack to cool for about 15 minutes. Then use the parchment paper to lift the cake out of the pan and set it on the rack to cool completely. (Store the cake, wrapped tightly, at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two days.)
Notes
Discover More Delicious Recipes
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13 responses to “One-Bowl Mostly Apples Cake: The Perfect Easy Fall Dessert”
It’s printing out as we speak!!
Thank you.
I love it! Have fun making this little cake, Gene! It’s the perfect size to snack on for a few days:)
Looks delicious 😋
Thank you, Sara!
Hum Robin, ça l’air d’être délicieux.
Une caresse à James T pour moi.
🙂
Thanks, Tony! I’ll give James T. a pat for you:))
Looks delicious!
Mmm, mmm yummy, Robin, my senses of smell and taste are fully awakened thinking of this delicious choice. Happy Friday!
This would be a great desert for Thanksgiving. 🙂
Lulu: “Mmmm, peanut butter …..”
yummmm
I am a big fan of apple cake. Yours look delcious.
It looks yum! 🤤