Chocolate Apple Cake That Will Make You Smile

Enjoy a moist, delicious chocolate apple cake that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. A sweet, indulgent treat everyone will love!

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 Slices

Calories 320 kcal

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cake and gives it structure. Gluten-free flour can be used as a simple alternative if you want to make a gluten-free cake.
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Provides a rich and bold chocolate taste. Make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the cake from being too sweet.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cake rise giving it that perfect fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda – A little boost to make your cake extra light.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness while enhancing the depth of the chocolate flavor.

2 large eggs – These provide moisture and help bind everything together.
1 cup sugar – Use granulated sugar or replace it with a healthier option such as honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter melted – Adds richness to the cake. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil works beautifully too.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This simple ingredient elevates the flavor profile of the cake.
1 cup apples peeled and chopped – Fresh apples are the star of the show! They provide moisture and a gentle sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate.
½ cup milk – Regular milk or a non-dairy version like almond milk, works fine here.
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips – Adds an extra rich chocolate burst in each bite.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. For added assurance that the cake releases easily, lightly sprinkle the pan with flour. You want your cake to come out effortlessly when it’s done!

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly blended. Mixing these ingredients first ensures they’re well-distributed and prevents clumps when you combine them with the wet ingredients later.

Combine the eggs and sugar in a large bowl and whip until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk to the mixture. Stir everything together until fully combined. Aim for a smooth, creamy mixture without any lumps.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, mixing carefully as you proceed. It’s important not to overmix—just combine until there are no visible streaks of flour. The batter should be thick but smooth, ready to bake into something delicious.

Using a spatula, carefully incorporate the chopped apples. This is where the cake gets its delightful texture and fruity flavor. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold those in as well. The apples will provide moisture, and the chocolate chips will create pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cake. Yum!

When the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan and use a spatula to distribute it evenly, making sure the top is level. This helps the cake bake evenly and gives it a nice shape.

Place the cake pan in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is a little different, so check the cake around the 30-minute mark. You want the cake to be firm but moist inside—perfectly baked!

Once baking is complete, take the cake out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to lift out. Afterward, set the cake on a wire rack to cool all the way through.

When the cake has cooled, lightly sift powdered sugar over the top for a graceful touch. For an extra indulgent touch, you can serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Keyword Chocolate Apple Cake, Easy Cake Recipe, Moist Cake