Go Back
–+ servings
Dutch Apple Cake
Dutch Apple Cake reflects mid-20th-century American home baking, when simple pantry ingredients and fresh fruit were combined into quick, dependable desserts. Despite the name, this style of apple cake is more closely tied to American kitchens influenced by European baking traditions rather than a specific Dutch origin. Baked at a high temperature, the batter rises quickly around layers of sliced apples, creating a tender crumb with lightly caramelized fruit on top. A cinnamon-sugar finish and dots of butter give the cake a crisp, golden surface while keeping the interior soft. It’s appreciated for its straightforward method, minimal mixing, and ability to showcase apples without heavy frosting or embellishment.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp shortening (melted)
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • 3 to 4 apples (peeled, sliced, and quartered (about 3 cups))
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp margarine (softened)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

  • Sift flour into a bowl.
  • Add salt, baking powder, and sugar.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • Combine melted shortening, beaten egg, and milk.
  • Beat together until blended.

Step 3: Make the Batter

  • Add wet mixture to dry ingredients.
  • Stir quickly until flour is dampened.
  • Stir 3 to 4 times more; do not overmix.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan

  • Butter a 7 × 11½-inch baking pan.
  • Spread batter evenly in pan.

Step 5: Add Apples

  • Arrange apple slices evenly over batter in rows.

Step 6: Add Topping

  • Mix ¼ cup sugar with cinnamon.
  • Sprinkle evenly over apples.
  • Dot top with margarine.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes until golden.

Step 8: Serve

  • Serve warm, plain or with butter or lemon sauce.

Tips

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance
  • Add nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar
  • Replace shortening with melted butter
  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
  • Add chopped walnuts for texture
  • Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving
  • Line pan with parchment for easier removal

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword apple dessert, cinnamon sugar, comfort food, home baking, rustic cake, vintage baking
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!