Easy, No-Scale Apple Cake Recipe for Effortless Comfort Baking
As the air turns crisp and the routines of September settle in, there’s nothing more comforting than the warm scent of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven.
This 12-Tablespoon Apple Cake is exactly the kind of recipe that wraps you in a cozy hug—quick, simple, and scale-free.
Using tablespoons instead of weighing ingredients, it’s perfect when you want a fuss-free dessert with ingredients you already have at home.
Whether it’s for breakfast, a sweet afternoon break, or a last-minute guest, this is the kind of cake that always delivers.
DOWNLOAD PDF WITH 12 TBSP Apple Cake Recipe Here:
Why Nonna Loves This Apple Cake
It’s easy enough for anyone to make—even the grandkids
No kitchen scale needed: just a tablespoon and a bowl
Light, moist, and full of apple flavor
Made with pantry staples, no butter required
A go-to recipe for any season, especially autumn
⏱️ Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8–10
🧾 Ingredients
For a 9-inch (22–24 cm) round cake pan:
2 large or 3 small eggs
¾ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (12 heaping tablespoons)
⅔ cup to ¾ cup granulated sugar (10–12 level tablespoons, to taste)
¾ cup vegetable oil (12 tablespoons)
¾ cup whole milk (12 tablespoons)
1 tbsp baking powder (1 packet, approx. 16 g)
1 tsp cinnamon or 1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
2 small apples, diced (for the batter)
1 large apple, thinly sliced (for the top)
Powdered sugar for dusting
👩🍳 Method
Prepare the Apples
Dice 2 small apples and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Slice the remaining apple and also coat with lemon juice. Set aside.Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with electric beaters until light and frothy.Add Oil and Milk
Mix in the oil and milk, continuing to whisk until smooth.Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and baking powder in batches while beating. Add cinnamon (or vanilla) and a pinch of salt.Fold in the Apples
Gently mix in the diced apples with a spatula or hand whisk.Prepare the Pan
Butter and lightly flour a high-sided 9-inch cake pan. Pour in the batter and smooth the top.Add Apple Topping
Arrange sliced apples on top of the batter. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.Bake
Bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F (180°C) for 45–50 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean.Cool and Serve
Let cool, remove from the pan, dust with powdered sugar, and serve!
🧮 Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, based on 10 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
| Calcium | 70 mg |
Note: Approximate values; will vary based on actual ingredients used.
💡 Tips and Tricks
Substitute milk with plant-based milk or juice for a lactose-free version
Use cinnamon, vanilla, lemon zest, or even ginger for different flavor profiles
For extra richness, replace oil with 7 tbsp (100 g) of melted butter
Want gluten-free? Swap flour with certified gluten-free flour and baking powder
Great warm or cold—and even better the next day!

Easy 12-Tablespoon Apple Cake: No Scale Needed!
Notes
Ingredients
For a 9-inch (22–24 cm) round cake pan:
- 2 large or 3 small eggs
- ¾ cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (12 heaping tablespoons)
- ⅔ cup to ¾ cup granulated sugar (10–12 level tablespoons, to taste)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (12 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup whole milk (12 tablespoons)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (1 packet, approx. 16 g)
- 1 tsp cinnamon or 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 small apples, diced (for the batter)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced (for the top)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
👩🍳 Method
- Prepare the Apples
Dice 2 small apples and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Slice the remaining apple and also coat with lemon juice. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with electric beaters until light and frothy. - Add Oil and Milk
Mix in the oil and milk, continuing to whisk until smooth. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and baking powder in batches while beating. Add cinnamon (or vanilla) and a pinch of salt. - Fold in the Apples
Gently mix in the diced apples with a spatula or hand whisk. - Prepare the Pan
Butter and lightly flour a high-sided 9-inch cake pan. Pour in the batter and smooth the top. - Add Apple Topping
Arrange sliced apples on top of the batter. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired. - Bake
Bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F (180°C) for 45–50 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean. - Cool and Serve
Let cool, remove from the pan, dust with powdered sugar, and serve!





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