๐ Introduction
If youโre craving a cozy dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall, this Honey-Roasted Apple Cake is the one to try. Tender apples roasted with honey and cinnamon are folded into a moist, lightly spiced cake, creating a dessert thatโs both rustic and elegant.
The cake is rich in flavor, thanks to the natural sweetness of honey, the warmth of cinnamon, and the tang of fresh apples. Itโs perfect for gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a comforting after-dinner treat. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and youโve got a dessert that tastes like pure comfort.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round or square cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet (for roasting apples)
- Parchment paper (optional)
๐ Ingredients
For the Honey-Roasted Apples:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp melted butter
- ยฝ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ยฝ tsp baking soda
- ยฝ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ยฝ tsp ground nutmeg
- ยฝ cup honey
- ยฝ cup light brown sugar
- ยฝ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- ยฝ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Extra drizzle of honey
- Powdered sugar
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
- Roast the Apples
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Toss diced apples with honey, butter, and cinnamon. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast 15 minutes until golden and slightly caramelized. Let cool.
- Prepare Cake Batter
- Lower oven temperature to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and line cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk honey, sugar, oil, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine & Add Apples
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Gently stir in roasted apples.
- Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into pan and smooth top.
- Bake 35โ40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve
- Cool in pan 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra honey.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8โ10
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store covered for 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm slices in microwave for 20โ30 seconds before serving.
๐ฅ Variations
- Glazed Apple Cake: Add a simple honey glaze (honey + powdered sugar + milk).
- Nutty Apple Cake: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add cardamom, ginger, or cloves for deeper flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Swap honey garnish for salted caramel sauce.
- Apple-Pear Combo: Mix roasted apples with pears for extra flavor.
โ 10 FAQs
- What apples are best for this cake?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up well when roasted. - Do I have to roast the apples first?
Roasting enhances sweetness and texture, but you can add raw diced apples too. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yesโuse a gluten-free flour blend. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute dairy-free yogurt and plant-based butter. - Can I use applesauce instead of some oil?
Yesโreplace up to half the oil with applesauce for a lighter cake. - How do I prevent a dry cake?
Donโt overbake; check at 35 minutes. Yogurt also helps keep it moist. - Can I bake it in a bundt pan?
Yes, but extend bake time by 10โ15 minutes. - Can I make it ahead?
Yesโflavors deepen after a day, making it great for make-ahead desserts. - What toppings work well?
Honey drizzle, whipped cream, ice cream, or chopped nuts. - Is this cake sweet enough without extra sugar?
The honey gives natural sweetness, but sugar balances the spicesโreduce slightly if desired.
๐ Conclusion
This Honey-Roasted Apple Cake is everything a fall dessert should be: moist, warmly spiced, and full of caramelized apple flavor. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed with your afternoon coffee, itโs a simple yet elegant cake that never disappoints.
๐ฏ๐ Honey-Roasted Apple Cake โ Moist, Sweet & Perfectly Spiced
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Toss diced apples with honey, butter, and cinnamon. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast 15 minutes until golden and slightly caramelized. Let cool.
- Lower oven temperature to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and line cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk honey, sugar, oil, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Gently stir in roasted apples.
- Pour batter into pan and smooth top.
- Bake 35โ40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra honey.
Notes
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up well when roasted. Do I have to roast the apples first?
Roasting enhances sweetness and texture, but you can add raw diced apples too. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yesโuse a gluten-free flour blend. Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute dairy-free yogurt and plant-based butter. Can I use applesauce instead of some oil?
Yesโreplace up to half the oil with applesauce for a lighter cake. How do I prevent a dry cake?
Donโt overbake; check at 35 minutes. Yogurt also helps keep it moist. Can I bake it in a bundt pan?
Yes, but extend bake time by 10โ15 minutes. Can I make it ahead?
Yesโflavors deepen after a day, making it great for make-ahead desserts. What toppings work well?
Honey drizzle, whipped cream, ice cream, or chopped nuts. Is this cake sweet enough without extra sugar?
The honey gives natural sweetness, but sugar balances the spicesโreduce slightly if desired. ๐ Conclusion This Honey-Roasted Apple Cake is everything a fall dessert should be: moist, warmly spiced, and full of caramelized apple flavor. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed with your afternoon coffee, itโs a simple yet elegant cake that never disappoints.