This cozy Warm Apple Spoon Cake is made with apples, cinnamon, sugar, butter, and milk — baked golden and spooned warm from the pan.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
I remember the first time I made this Warm Apple Spoon Cake — it wasn’t planned at all. I was in my kitchen on a gray Sunday afternoon, hair up, socks mismatched, staring at a single apple that had seen better days. You know the one — slightly bruised, forgotten at the bottom of the fruit bowl.
I didn’t feel like making pie (who has the patience for crusts sometimes?), but I wanted something that felt… cozy. Like the smell of fall drifting through the house even when it’s still technically too warm outside. So I grabbed that apple, melted some butter, added cinnamon — because honestly, when has cinnamon ever let anyone down? — and threw it all together in a pan.
Half an hour later, my kitchen smelled like my grandmother’s house used to — warm, buttery, and just a little bit chaotic. I took a spoon (because cutting it felt way too formal for what this was) and dug right in. The edges were crisp, the center soft, the apples tender and sweet. And right then, I thought — yep, this is it. Comfort in dessert form.
Now I make it whenever I need something simple that doesn’t ask too much from me. Some nights that’s more often than I care to admit.
Why You’ll Love This Warm Apple Spoon Cake Recipe?
You know those recipes that somehow make you feel like you’ve got your life together — even when dinner was cereal? Yeah, this Warm Apple Spoon Cake is one of those.
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It’s fast. Fifteen minutes of effort, tops.
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It smells amazing. Like the holidays moved in and decided to stay.
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It’s ridiculously easy. No mixer, no fancy techniques — just stir, pour, bake.
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It’s pure comfort. Soft apples, buttery cake, cinnamon warmth — all the things you crave on a long day.
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It’s forgiving. Mess up a measurement? It still tastes like a hug.
The best part? You don’t need to slice it. You just grab a spoon and go for it — like dessert was always meant to be eaten.
Ingredient Notes:
The magic of this Warm Apple Spoon Cake is how simple it is. You probably have everything already.
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Apples: Any firm apple works — Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, whatever’s rolling around your counter. Bruised ones are perfect here.
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Sugar: Regular granulated sugar — split it between the batter and the apples for that caramelized edge.
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Cinnamon: It’s not optional. It’s what makes the cake smell like home.
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Flour: All-purpose does the job beautifully. Just don’t pack it too tightly.
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Milk: Whole milk gives it richness, but honestly, use whatever’s in your fridge.
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Butter: Melted, because we’re not creaming anything today. Butter’s the heart of this whole thing.
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Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A little lift so it’s not too dense, not too airy — just right.
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Salt: A small pinch that makes everything pop.
There’s something really nice about a dessert that doesn’t need a trip to the store — just a little trust and a spoon.
How To Make Warm Apple Spoon Cake?
There’s nothing complicated here. Just you, a mixing bowl, and the promise of something sweet.
Step 1: Preheat and prepare.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round pan. I’ve used butter, oil, spray — doesn’t matter. It’s forgiving, remember?
Step 2: Mix the apples.
In a small bowl, toss your diced apple with sugar and cinnamon. They’ll get glossy and smell like fall candles — but edible.
Step 3: Make the batter.
In another bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir in the milk and melted butter until smooth. It’s okay if it looks rustic — we’re not baking for the Queen here.
Step 4: Assemble.
Pour the batter into your pan, scatter the apple mixture on top, and resist the urge to stir. Let them sit proudly on top; they’ll sink just enough while baking.
Step 5: Bake.
Bake for around 33 minutes — give or take depending on your oven’s mood that day — until the edges turn golden brown and the middle looks set.
Step 6: Serve.
Let it rest for five minutes, then grab your spoon and dive in. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra (and why wouldn’t you?).
Want To Save This Recipe?
You’ll know it’s perfect when the edges are slightly crisp, the center’s warm and soft, and your kitchen smells like you’ve been baking all day — even though it took less than an hour.
Storage Options:
If you somehow have leftovers (doubtful, but okay), cover the pan and keep it on the counter for two days or in the fridge for up to four. Warm it up again before eating — because let’s be real, “warm apple spoon cake” hits different when it’s actually warm.
Variations and Substitutions:
The thing about this Warm Apple Spoon Cake is it doesn’t mind a little creativity — it’s the laid-back friend of desserts.
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Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans bring a lovely crunch.
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Go spiced: Toss in nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice if you’re feeling fancy.
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Use pears: Slightly softer, slightly more elegant.
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Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — it still turns out fluffy.
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Go dairy-free: Swap butter for coconut oil and use almond or oat milk.
It’s the kind of recipe that lets you do your thing and still turns out right — no judgment here.
What to Serve with Warm Apple Spoon Cake?
If you’re serving this for guests, or, you know, yourself on a Tuesday night (no shame), here’s what pairs perfectly:
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Vanilla ice cream: Classic. Melts into the warm cake and makes every bite magic.
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Whipped cream: Light, fluffy, and lazy-Sunday approved.
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Caramel drizzle: Because life’s short, drizzle the caramel.
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Coffee or cider: For sipping while pretending to be in a Hallmark movie.
It’s simple food joy — no overthinking, just comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use more than one apple?
Go for it! It’ll be fruitier and softer — just don’t overflow your pan.
What’s the best apple to use?
I love Honeycrisp, but Granny Smith adds a nice tang. Use whatever you’ve got.
Can I double it?
Absolutely. Just bake it in a bigger pan and add a few extra minutes. You’ll thank yourself later.
This Warm Apple Spoon Cake isn’t about perfection — it’s about feeling. It’s the kind of dessert that reminds you of simpler times, or maybe of your grandma who always baked “something” but never measured anything. It’s cozy and a little nostalgic, with that unmistakable smell of butter and cinnamon drifting through the house.
And it’s also a reminder that you don’t need a special occasion to bake. Sometimes, a single apple and a craving are reason enough.
So yeah, maybe the top cracks unevenly, maybe the edges brown more than you meant them to — who cares? That’s where the flavor lives.
Make it, spoon it, and let it remind you that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated.
Now tell me — are you the kind who goes for extra cinnamon or the rebel who adds a caramel drizzle too?
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Warm Apple Spoon Cake
Ingredients
- 1 large apple cored and diced
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons 125g granulated sugar divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon divided
- ⅔ cup 83g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring even coverage along the sides and bottom.
Prepare the Apples
- In a small bowl, combine the diced apple with 2 tablespoons (25g) of sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir gently until all the apple pieces are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to develop.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining ½ cup (100g) of sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk until well combined to eliminate any clumps.
Create the Batter
- Pour in the milk and melted butter. Stir the mixture until smooth and cohesive. The batter should be thick but pourable, with no visible streaks of flour remaining.
Assemble the Cake
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Scatter the apple mixture over the surface of the batter without pressing it down; the apples will naturally sink slightly while baking.
Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 32 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
Serve
- Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon generous portions into individual bowls and serve warm. For a delightful finishing touch, accompany with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
