This Old-Fashioned Apple Chunk Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from your childhood kitchen. It’s simple, honest, and deeply satisfying—no fancy layers or frostings, just a golden crust, a moist interior, and generous chunks of fresh apple that melt into the batter as it bakes.
The cake is lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, sweetened with brown sugar for depth, and enriched with oil to keep it tender for days. It’s baked in a square dish, making it perfect for slicing into hearty squares that are ideal for sharing—or sneaking straight from the pan. Serve it warm with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just a cup of chai, and you’ve got a dessert that bridges generations.
Whether you’re reviving a family tradition or starting a new one, this cake is a keeper. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
🧂 INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped into chunks
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional topping: 1 tbsp coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar
🥣 INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend gives the cake its warm, autumnal flavor.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry mix. Add oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
4. Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using). The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter. Their moisture will help soften the crumb as the cake bakes.
5. Transfer to Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for a crackly crust.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp, and the edges should pull away from the pan.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. It keeps well for 3–4 days covered at room temp, and even longer in the fridge.
🍽 SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Serve with whipped cream or crème fraîche.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with black tea, cinnamon coffee, or warm milk.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive the warmth.
🧠 TIPS & VARIATIONS:
- Sugar-free version: Use coconut sugar or erythritol.
- Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-ins: Raisins, dates, or shredded coconut work beautifully.
- Spice twist: Add cardamom or clove for a deeper flavor profile.
