Apple Custard Cake – 5-Minute Prep Irresistible Cozy Dessert Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction

There’s something magical about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven—it’s like an instant hug for your senses. The first time I made this Apple Custard Cake, it wasn’t even planned. I had a couple of apples sitting in the fruit basket, a carton of milk in the fridge, and a craving for something warm and sweet.

This recipe has been a family favorite ever since. It’s the perfect combination of soft, tender apple chunks, a custard-like creamy interior, and a lightly golden crust dusted with powdered sugar. Think of it as a cross between a cake, a pudding, and a cozy autumn day wrapped in a blanket.

If you’ve tried something decadent like the Lemon Cream Cake Recipe, you know how amazing a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert can be. This Apple Custard Cake gives you that same “bakery-quality” feel, but with the comfort of homemade goodness.

Whether it’s a Sunday family lunch, a Thanksgiving dessert table, or just a rainy afternoon pick-me-up, this cake delivers every single time.

Ingredients

You’ll need only a handful of basic ingredients for this recipe:

Apples – 3 medium, diced (I prefer Gala or Honeycrisp for their natural sweetness)
Eggs – 3 large
Granulated sugar – 1 cup
All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
Whole milk – 1 cup
Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup, melted and cooled
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar – for dusting

Directions

Preheat the oven – Set it to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the apples – Wash, core, and dice them into small bite-sized cubes. Leave the skin on for extra color and texture.
Make the batter – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
Add the liquids – Mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold them into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in apples – Add the diced apples to the batter, making sure they’re evenly coated.
Pour and bake – Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and dust – Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Serve and enjoy – Slice into squares and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Extra creaminess – Add 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for a richer custard texture.
Nutty twist – Stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Caramel apple version – Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Spice boost – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for deeper flavor.
Gluten-free – Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

If you like creamy textures, you might also enjoy making this cozy Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe for a warm and comforting dinner pairing.

Storage

Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator – Keeps fresh for 5–6 days.
Freezer – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Time & Yield

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Yield: 9–12 servings

Tools Used

8×8-inch square baking pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Knife & cutting board
Parchment paper

Why Apple Custard Cake is a Must-Try Dessert

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. The apples soften during baking, releasing their natural juices into the batter, which creates that signature custard-like texture. It’s light enough for breakfast, sweet enough for dessert, and comforting enough to cure any bad day.

Plus, it’s a one-bowl batter, which means fewer dishes to wash—always a win in my book. And the best part? You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Custard Cake is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly special. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and versatile. And just like my favorite Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, it’s the kind of recipe that warms both the stomach and the heart.

For more apple dessert inspiration, check out Delish — they have endless ways to turn apples into magic.