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This recipe for Apple Loaf Cake is a warm, inviting treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Apple Loaf Cake on a wooden serving board

Made with juicy apples, pumpkin spice, and a crumbly topping, this moist cake will have everyone asking for seconds. There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked apple loaf cake wafting through your kitchen.

The best part? You don’t need anything fancy to make it. Just basic ingredients, a loaf pan, and a whisk.

The pumpkin spice adds a cozy fall flavor, but honestly, this cinnamon apple bread is so yummy, you’ll want to bake it year-round.

Plus, the aroma that fills your house while it bakes is pure heaven.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. The cake comes out with a fluffy texture every time, with juicy apple chunks and a delicious crumb topping.

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for whenever you need a quick, comforting treat. Trust me, your family will be hanging around the kitchen, waiting for that first warm slice.

Now, let’s get into why this Apple Loaf Cake is always a good idea and how you can make it at home!

Some of our other favorite FALL RECIPES we have on our site include: Pumpkin Cheesecake, Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake, and Caramel Apple Pudding Cups.

up close image of slices of Apple Loaf Cake on top of each other

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Basic Ingredients: You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry, making it an easy recipe to whip up anytime.
Perfect Moisture: The fresh apples and pumpkin spice ensure that every bite is moist and flavorful.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite spices or toppings to make this recipe your own.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Apples
White granulated sugar
Pumpkin spice seasoning
Unsalted butter
All-purpose white flour
Baking powder
Salt
Milk
Brown sugar
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

ingredients needed to make Apple Loaf Cake

HOW TO MAKE APPLE LOAF CAKE:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, add the sugar and pumpkin spice seasoning. Whisk together until combined.
Add the melted butter and vanilla. Whisk until a crumbly paste has formed.
Add the dry ingredients: salt, baking powder, and flour. Whisk again until combined.
Pour in the milk and mix with the whisk until you have a thick batter with no dry patches.
Now add the grated apples. Fold this together until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

collage of images showing how to make the batter for Apple Loaf Cake

Add the flour and brown sugar to another mixing bowl. Use a fork to blend the two ingredients together.
Add the softened butter and cinnamon to the bowl and use the fork to blend together again until a crumbly topping is formed.

collage of images showing how to make the crumble for Apple Loaf Cake

Take the loaf tin and pour half of the batter into the pan.
Sprinkle with half of the crumble topping.
Then, pour the rest of the batter on top.
Finish with the rest of the crumble topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

collage of images showing how to bake Apple Loaf Cake

While baking, make the glaze. In a bowl, add the powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and milk. Whisk together until smooth. If the frosting is a bit too thick, add another teaspoon or so until you reach your desired consistency.
Let the loaf cake cool for 20 minutes before removing it from the baking tin and placing it on a wire rack.
Drizzle the glaze all over the top of the loaf. Serve immediately while still warm or allow to cool completely.

collage of images showing how to glaze Apple Loaf Cake

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

WHAT KIND OF APPLE IS THE BEST TO USE?

The best apples for this recipe are tart apples like Granny Smith apples or Pink Lady.

They hold up well during baking and give the cake a nice tart flavor.

If you prefer a sweeter taste, Fuji apples are a great option. In the end, I suppose you could just use what you have on hand.

DO I HAVE TO USE PUMPKIN SPICE?

No, you don’t have to use pumpkin spice.

Cinnamon works just as well and gives the apple loaf cake a warm, cozy flavor without the extra spices.

overhead image of Apple Loaf Cake sliced on a serving board

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ANY ADDITIONS?

This moist loaf cake is so tempting to eat while it’s on the wire rack, cooling.

Here are some ideas if you’re looking to change things up!

Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
A handful of raisins mixed into the batter.
A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before serving.
A few tablespoons of apple sauce for extra moisture.
A pinch of ground cinnamon added to the crumble topping.
A layer of cream cheese frosting on top after cooling.
A handful of chopped apples folded into the batter.
A few teaspoons of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
A sprinkle of oats in the crumble topping for extra texture.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Apple cinnamon bread is like the ultimate flavor of fall for me.

It’s a special time of year and this apple cake loaf hits just right!

Butter: Swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Milk: Use almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Flour: Substitute with whole wheat flour to increase your daily values.
Sugar: Try using brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor.
Pumpkin spice: Replace with ground cinnamon or a cinnamon-nutmeg mix.
Vanilla extract: Use almond extract for a slightly different flavor.

a slice of Apple Loaf Cake on a white plate

HOW TO STORE:

Room Temp: Wrap the cooled apple loaf cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

It will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Freezer: Slice the loaf and wrap each slice individually in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer bag.

It will keep well for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, just pop a slice in the microwave for a quick treat.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more smoothly and evenly.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Cool in the pan: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before removing it. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Glaze while warm: Drizzle the glaze over the cake while it’s still warm. It will soak in a bit and add extra flavor.
Double the recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, this recipe doubles easily. Just use two loaf pans and bake both at the same time.

a slice of Apple Loaf Cake on a plate with a bite taken out

This Apple Loaf Cake is a cozy and delicious treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of the day.

With its moist texture, juicy apple chunks, and warm pumpkin spice flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this cake will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your home.

So go ahead, give it a try, and see for yourself just how tasty this apple loaf cake can be!

Apple Loaf Cake Recipe with Glaze