This Apple Honey Cake is a warm treat that’s perfect for fall! It’s moist, sweet, and packed with delicious apple chunks. The honey adds a lovely touch that makes you smile.
When you take a bite, you’ll taste the sweetness and softness that makes it hard to stop eating! I love serving this cake with a scoop of ice cream on top—so good! 🍏🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the honey’s sweetness. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Honeycrisp work well too!
Honey: I love using local honey for its flavor, but you can swap in maple syrup for a different twist. Just be mindful of the liquid ratios!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter instead.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can try whole wheat flour for added nutrients. Just keep in mind, it may change the texture slightly.
Milk: Whole milk makes the cake rich, but you can use any non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to fit dietary needs!
How Do I Get My Cake to Release from the Pan Without Sticking?
The trick to releasing your cake easily is in the preparation of the pan. Ensure to grease it well with butter, and then drizzle honey at the bottom. This not only helps in preventing sticking but also gives the apples a beautiful glaze.
- Use a generous amount of butter to coat the pan and get into the corners.
- Drizzle honey on the bottom for a non-stick surface and extra flavor.
- Always run a knife around the cake’s edges once it’s cool to help release it.
Remember to let it cool for a few minutes before inverting. This way, you keep that lovely apple topping intact! Enjoy your baking!
Apple Honey Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey, divided
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)
- Butter and honey for greasing and glazing
Estimated Time:
This delicious Apple Honey Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 45-50 minutes to bake. Allow extra time for cooling before serving, so plan for about 1 hour and 10 minutes total.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with butter. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the bottom of the pan for added flavor and stickiness.
2. Arrange the Apples:
Next, take your thinly sliced apples and arrange them in a circular pattern over the honey in the prepared pan. Overlap them slightly to create a pretty, layered effect, which will be the star topping of your cake.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional ground cinnamon. Set this bowl aside as you will mix it with other ingredients later.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a larger bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until they turn pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the melted butter, the remaining honey (approximately 1/4 cup), and vanilla extract. Stir everything until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients you prepared earlier, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined and smooth.
6. Pour the Batter:
Now it’s time to pour the batter into the cake pan! Carefully spread the batter over the arranged apple slices, making sure not to disturb them.
7. Bake Your Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake it for 45-50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Release:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan to help release the cake.
9. Invert the Cake:
To serve, place a serving plate over the cake pan and gently invert it. This should reveal the lovely apple honey topping that caramelized beautifully during baking.
10. Final Touches:
If desired, while your cake is still warm, brush a little extra honey over the apple topping for a glossy finish which adds a lovely shine!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the cake cool a bit more before slicing. This cake is perfect on its own but can be even more delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy the sweet and comforting flavors of your Apple Honey Cake!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, you can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just make sure to adjust the sugar to your taste if you choose sweeter apples.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance! Just store it covered at room temperature. For the best flavor, warm it slightly before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes! This Apple Honey Cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up slightly before serving.