Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSakuraWarm Apple Cake Recipe

Warm Apple Cake Recipe

Inspired by Sakura
Time1h 10m
Serves8

with vanilla ice cream

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Ingredients

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Cake

Method

Cake

  1. 1

    Prepare and preheat

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan (or line with parchment) and set aside.

  2. 2

    Prepare apples

    Place the thinly sliced apples in a bowl, toss with the lemon juice to prevent browning, and set aside.

  3. 3

    Dry ingredients

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.

  4. 4

    Cream butter and sugars

    In a large bowl (or stand mixer fitted with the paddle), beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add eggs and vanilla

    Add the eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each addition until incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.

  6. 6

    Combine wet and dry

    With the mixer on low, add about half of the dry flour mixture and mix until just combined. Pour in the milk, then add the remaining dry mixture and mix on low until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.

  7. 7

    Fold in apples

    Fold the lemon-tossed apple slices into the batter gently with a spatula, distributing them evenly. Some slices can be reserved to arrange on top for a decorative finish.

  8. 8

    Bake

    Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange reserved apple slices on top if using. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar and the 1/4 tsp cinnamon evenly over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 35–45 minutes (start checking at 30 minutes).

  9. 9

    Cool briefly

    Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes. This allows the cake to settle and is ideal for serving warm.

To Serve

  1. 10

    Run a knife around the pan edge and invert onto a serving plate or serve directly from the pan. Cut into 8 slices and plate warm slices with 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream each. Drizzle optional caramel sauce over the ice cream or cake if desired.

  2. 11

    If you prefer the ice cream to soften slightly before serving, place scoops in a small bowl at room temperature for 1–2 minutes just before plating.

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