No-Peel Apple Cake is VERY easy to make, no need to peel the apples and the aroma while it's baking is absolutely divine. This is a moist cake, delicious served warm from the oven. But I keep leftovers in the fridge and its equally good served cold. As an option, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for some added wow factor. So yummy!
Ingredients to Have on Hand
The ingredients for this cake are basic pantry staples, just buy or pick a few delicious, fresh baking apples and you are set. Otherwise, here's your grocery list:
- 3 - 4 baking apples
- sugar
- brown sugar
- flour
- salt
- baking powder
- baking soda
- vanilla extract
- butter
- 1 egg
Slice the apples first, then cut across the slices to create small, bite-sized pieces of apple. 
You'll want about 4 cups of diced apples, but it doesn't need to be a precise measurement.
Apples for Baking
I grew up in eastern Washington and believe me, apples are a big, big deal in the Great Northwest. But not every apple variety is created equal. According to the Washington Apple Commission, there are a wide variety of apples that are delicious for baking and some varieties are better in pies. But since this recipe is for a baked cake, here are the types of apples I use and recommend:
- Golden Delicious
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
Baking Dish Options
No-Peel Apple Cake bakes beautifully in any shape baking dish as long as it's large enough to hold about 5 cups of the apple cake batter and it's small enough for the batter to spread to about 2 inches in height across the dish. I prefer to use a 9" pie dish with fluted edges since it's the perfect size and it creates a beautiful presentation at serving time.
What I Love Most About This Recipe
It's so easy. But it's also a delicious way to enjoy a dessert that's made from scratch using fresh apples. The cake is incredibly moist and the sugars combine with the butter to create a top "crust" of sorts that is just slightly crunchy when it's hot out of the oven. This is my go-to apple dessert, especially when I'm short on time.
Harvest Meal Idea
This dessert recipe is wonderful any time of year, but especially during summer and fall when the apple harvest is underway. Speaking of harvest, here are other recipes that are perfect for using up all the goodies from a robust garden or after a big shopping trip to the Farmer's Market. Got extra cucumbers? Try refrigerator pickles. How about all those extra fresh tomatoes? I highly recommend Tomato Basil Soup, it's delicious! Enjoy.
Kate says
Hi there -
Think you could make ahead and freeze?
Thanks!
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Hi Kate, Thanks for your question! I've never made it ahead of time and frozen the apple cake so can't be sure about the results. Please let me know how it turns out if you do freeze it. 🙂
Marcia p Fitzpatrick says
I found this while looking for Apple recipes. I hadn't thought of doing what you have done, so I tried it. It's really good. I made it gluten-free and dairy free. I used Bob's red mill gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour, replaced the sugars with Stevie N the Raw for the white and coconut sugar for the brown. I didn't have any ice cream or whipped topping, so I just tried it without. Still good! It does need a sauce, though.
Shirley says
My husband says it's the best dessert he's ever eaten.
I did add ground cloves.
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Wow! I love hearing that Shirley, what a lovely compliment. Thank you - and I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Theresa Capri says
I made this the first time using the whole amount of sugar and thought it was too sweet for my tastebuds. The second time I halved the sugar and it was just right for our family. I used gravenstein apples (measured 4 1/2 cups) off our tree and I did a modification the second time (today)..put about 1/2 tsp vanilla and 3-4 TBSP peanut butter and about 1/4 cup raisins with the wet ingredients. Thanks for sharing this! I will make it again!
Swissrose says
Agree about the amount of apples being really great, and not peeling them made it that much easier without degrading the texture. I added sliced almonds on top before I baked it and it added crunch. It was a hit at the party I took it to.
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
I'm happy to hear the apple cake was a hit at the party! 🙂
Elizabeth says
What a fabulous idea for a cake! It’s so easy to make and my whole family loved it! I’ll definitely be making it again. Thanks for sharing!
Addie says
I love apple desserts year round! This was total comfort food and so delicious!!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This looks Incredibly delicious. I have to make this soon for my family!
Melissa says
I am much more likely to make this since the preparation is so much quicker. Thank you for creating this recipe!
Bri says
This looks heavenly!! I love anything with apples. Yum!
Pamela says
No more wasted apples at my house. Loved the recipe. Can't wait to bake it. You made my day!
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
I'm so happy to hear this Pamela! I love how easy this recipe is too. Another bonus! 🙂
Amanda says
My husband and I absolutely love this recipe! It was gone within 48 hours. Absolutely loved how much Apples there were compared to cake. Definitely a great fall dessert. Or anytime of the year as a matter or any time, as a matter of fact! I made it a second time to serve my parents - they immediately asked for the recipe! Can’t wait to make this throughout the rest of the season for all my friends, and myself of course!
melindakkeckler says
I'm so glad you loved this recipe Amanda! Thanks for sharing it with your parents too. There's just nothing better than a family favorite fall dessert. 🙂