Here’s a full recipe for a moist and simple apple cake — a rustic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s packed with apples and warmly spiced.

Classic Apple Cake (Serves 8–10)
Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

2 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven and prepare pan:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Mix wet ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.

Stir in the sour cream or yogurt.

4. Combine batter:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using).

5. Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and serve:

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve plain, or dust with powdered sugar. It’s also great with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips:

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.

For a richer cake, you can swap some oil for melted butter.

This cake keeps well at room temperature for 2–3 days, or longer if refrigerated.