Nonna's Cakes & Desserts

Easy 12-TBSP Apple Cake: No Scale Needed!

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:

12TbsAppleCake


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

  1. 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.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with electric beaters until light and frothy.

  3. Add Oil and Milk
    Mix in the oil and milk, continuing to whisk until smooth.

  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
    Sift in the flour and baking powder in batches while beating. Add cinnamon (or vanilla) and a pinch of salt.

  5. Fold in the Apples
    Gently mix in the diced apples with a spatula or hand whisk.

  6. Prepare the Pan
    Butter and lightly flour a high-sided 9-inch cake pan. Pour in the batter and smooth the top.

  7. Add Apple Topping
    Arrange sliced apples on top of the batter. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.

  8. 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.

  9. Cool and Serve
    Let cool, remove from the pan, dust with powdered sugar, and serve!


🧮 Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, based on 10 servings)

 

NutrientAmount
Calories260 kcal
Carbohydrates33 g
Protein4 g
Fat13 g
Saturated Fat1.5 g
Sugar18 g
Fiber2 g
Sodium110 mg
Calcium70 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!

This 12-Tablespoon Apple Cake is exactly the kind of recipe that wraps you in a cozy hug—quick, simple, and scale-free.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Italian Cakes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10

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

  1. 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.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with electric beaters until light and frothy.
  3. Add Oil and Milk
    Mix in the oil and milk, continuing to whisk until smooth.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
    Sift in the flour and baking powder in batches while beating. Add cinnamon (or vanilla) and a pinch of salt.
  5. Fold in the Apples
    Gently mix in the diced apples with a spatula or hand whisk.
  6. Prepare the Pan
    Butter and lightly flour a high-sided 9-inch cake pan. Pour in the batter and smooth the top.
  7. Add Apple Topping
    Arrange sliced apples on top of the batter. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.
  8. 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.
  9. Cool and Serve
    Let cool, remove from the pan, dust with powdered sugar, and serve!
Keyword APPLE CAKE, 12 tsbp apple cake,
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