Apple Pudding Cake
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This Apple Pudding Cake has been one of my absolute favorite fall desserts for over a decade. I first tasted it at a friend’s house more than 10 years ago, and I immediately asked for the recipe—it was that good. Ever since, it’s become a seasonal must-make in our home. The flavor is pure autumn: warm, spiced apples baked into a tender cake that feels like a hug in every bite.
Now, I’ll be honest—my kids aren’t big fans of this one (they’re missing out!), but my husband and I adore it. Since it’s just the two of us enjoying it, I usually make a half-batch to keep things reasonable. A full cake sitting on the counter is just too tempting, and we’ve learned the hard way that we’ll eat every last crumb if it’s there.
What really sets this cake apart is the pudding sauce—though I’d argue it’s more of a syrup than a pudding. It’s rich, buttery, and sweet, and it soaks into the warm cake in the most irresistible way. I’m not sure why it’s called pudding sauce, but whatever the name, it’s absolutely delicious and takes this dessert to the next level.
The recipe makes a generous amount of sauce, so if you’re making a smaller cake or just prefer a lighter drizzle, you can easily halve the sauce recipe and still have plenty to enjoy. But if you’re like me and love a good pour-over moment, go ahead and make the full batch—you won’t regret it.
Ingredients for Apple Pudding Cake
- SUGAR
- BUTTER OR MARGARINE
- LARGE EGGS
- APPLES
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
- BAKING SODA
- CINNAMON
- NUTMEG
- SALT
- NUTS, OPTIONAL
- BUTTER
- SUGAR
- HALF & HALF
Instructions for Apple Pudding Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, eggs, and grated apples until well combined. The mixture will be thick and chunky—just what you want for a hearty apple cake.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, spices, etc.). If you’d like to add chopped nuts, stir them in now for extra texture and flavor.
Combine the wet and dry mixtures, then spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing.
While the cake bakes, make the vanilla pudding sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the sauce ingredients until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly—about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, let it cool just a bit, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
To serve, slice the warm cake and drizzle generously with the vanilla sauce. This recipe makes 12 to 18 servings, depending on how you slice it—and trust me, every bite tastes like fall on a plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples work best for this cake?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and add a nice contrast to the sweet cake. You can also mix varieties for more depth of flavor.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer a rustic feel and don’t mind the skins, you can leave them on.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature. The sauce can also be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
Why is it called pudding cake if there’s no pudding?
Great question! The “pudding” refers to the warm vanilla sauce that’s poured over the cake. It’s more like a syrup than a traditional pudding, but it adds a rich, comforting finish.
Can I cut the sauce recipe in half?
Yes—you’ll still have plenty to drizzle over each slice. The full recipe makes a generous amount, so halving it is perfect if you’re making a smaller cake or prefer a lighter touch.
How should I serve this cake?
Slice and serve warm with the vanilla sauce poured over the top. It’s also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Apple Pudding Cake
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup butter softened (or margarine)
- 2 eggs
- 4 large unpeeled apples shredded (I just do this in my food processor)
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped nuts optional, I don’t use them
Pudding Sauce
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup half & half
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, cream sugar, margarine, eggs and apples together.
- in a bowl, whisk dry ingredients together. Add in nuts if desired. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.
- Cook until slightly thick and sugar is dissolved (approximately 8-10 min). Cool a little then add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour over sliced pieces of the cake. Serves 12-18.
