Easy Apple Loaf Cake

As the days grow shorter and the air takes on that first crisp hint of autumn, I love marking the shift with something baked, spiced, and comforting. This apple loaf cake is my way of celebrating the autumn equinox. It’s a simple, cozy treat that highlights the best of the season.

Made with fresh apples, applesauce, maple syrup, and a touch of apple cider, this loaf has just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Every slice carries the flavors of fall and the warmth of the season.

Whether you enjoy it warm with a cup of tea, pack it in a lunchbox, or serve it after dinner, this apple loaf is a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the season. It’s the perfect way to welcome autumn’s arrival.

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Easy Apple Loaf Cake

Yield: 1 Loaf

Author: Alicea Riley

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 1 H & 10 MTotal time: 1 H & 40 M

This apple cake is easy to make and has just the right balance of sweetness and spice. It's made with fresh apples, applesauce, maple syrup, and a hint of apple cider. Perfect for cozy autumn breakfasts, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

Easy Apple Loaf Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons apple cider
• 2 cups peeled chopped apples (1/4-inch chunks; about 2 large apples; I recommend using 1 honeycrisp and 1 granny smith apple)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. Chop the apples into roughly ¼-inch cubes and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla, and apple cider until smooth.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples. (Optional: reserve a handful of apples, toss them with cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle on top before baking.)
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 50–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so start checking around the 50-minute mark.