🍯🍎 Honey-Roasted Apple Cake – Moist, Sweet & Perfectly Spiced

If you’re 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 that’s 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. It’s perfect for gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a comforting after-dinner treat. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like pure comfort.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Honey-Roasted Apples:

3 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp melted butter
½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cake Batter:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup honey
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
2 large eggs
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

Extra drizzle of honey
Powdered sugar
Chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

9-inch round or square cake pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk & spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Baking sheet (for roasting apples)
Parchment paper (optional)

Method

Roast the Apples

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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 350°F (175°C). 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 35–40 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.

Notes

🧊 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 20–30 seconds before serving.

🥄 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.

❓ 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?
Yes—use 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?
Yes—replace up to half the oil with applesauce for a lighter cake.

How do I prevent a dry cake?
Don’t 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 10–15 minutes.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—flavors 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 spices—reduce slightly if desired.

🏁 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, it’s a simple yet elegant cake that never disappoints.