Mini Apple Cakes 🍏🍰

These moist, flavorful mini apple cakes are packed with apples, cinnamon, and crunchy nuts—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup (105 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup milk (room temperature)
• A pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white vinegar)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup peeled and chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
• ½ cup raisins (yellow or black)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or your choice)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour mini cake molds or a muffin tin.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture becomes creamy and doubles in volume.
3️⃣ Slowly incorporate the vegetable oil in batches, mixing well after each addition.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg-oil mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
6️⃣ Stir in the milk a little at a time until the batter reaches a slightly sticky consistency.
7️⃣ Add the lemon juice (or vinegar) and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.

🍏 Step 2: Add Apples, Nuts, and Raisins

8️⃣ Gently fold in the chopped apples, raisins, and nuts until evenly distributed.

🧁 Step 3: Fill and Bake

9️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared mini cake molds or muffin tin, filling each about ¾ full.
🔟 In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the cakes.

🔥 Step 4: Bake and Cool

1️⃣1️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
1️⃣2️⃣ Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍽️ Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1️⃣3️⃣ Serve warm or at room temperature with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

⏳ Cooking Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 12 mini cakes

30 Popular Questions & Answers

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, but the texture may be denser. Use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best results.

3. Can I make these into regular-sized muffins?

Absolutely! Just increase the bake time to 25-30 minutes.

4. Do I have to peel the apples?

No, but peeling them gives a smoother texture.

5. Can I skip the raisins?

Yes, or substitute with dried cranberries.

6. Can I replace the nuts with something else?

Yes! Try seeds, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.

7. How do I make these dairy-free?

Use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.

8. How do I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

9. Can I add nutmeg or other spices?

Yes! ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or ginger adds great flavor.

10. Can I freeze these mini cakes?

Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

11. How do I store leftovers?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week.

12. Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes, but reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons to balance moisture.

13. Can I add oats to the batter?

Yes! Add ¼ cup quick oats for extra texture.

14. What’s the best way to chop the apples?

Dice them into small, even pieces for even distribution.

15. Can I add a glaze or frosting?

Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting works well.

16. Can I make this in a loaf pan instead?

Yes! Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.

17. Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

Yes, but reduce the lemon juice to ½ teaspoon.

18. Why did my cakes turn out dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness.

19. How do I make these extra moist?

Use Greek yogurt or applesauce (¼ cup) in place of some oil.

20. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute:

• Eggs → 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water)
• Milk → Plant-based milk

21. Can I use pumpkin instead of apples?

Yes! Substitute 1 cup pumpkin puree for apples.

22. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes.

23. Can I use almond flour?

Yes, but it will be denser and more crumbly.

24. Can I add maple syrup for extra flavor?

Yes! Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup and reduce the sugar slightly.

25. Can I make this recipe into a bundt cake?

Yes! Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.

26. Can I make these cakes without eggs?

Yes! Use mashed bananas or applesauce as an egg substitute.

27. Do I need to use lemon juice or vinegar?

Yes, it helps activate the baking powder for a fluffy texture.

28. Can I add shredded carrots?

Yes! Add ½ cup finely shredded carrots for extra moisture.

29. Can I mix the batter in advance?

No, the baking powder starts working immediately.

30. Can I add caramel drizzle on top?

Yes! A homemade caramel sauce makes these even better.

30 Pro Tips to Make Them Even More Delightful

✅ Use fresh, firm apples for the best flavor and texture.

✅ Toast the nuts before adding them for extra crunch.

✅ Use high-quality vanilla extract for richer flavor.

✅ Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before baking for fluffier cakes.

✅ Avoid overmixing to keep the cakes soft.

✅ Chop apples finely so they blend into the batter.

✅ Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for added crunch.

✅ Add orange zest for a citrusy twist.

✅ Use muffin liners for easy cleanup.

✅ Top with caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.

✅ Mix in white chocolate chips for sweetness.

✅ Drizzle with honey after baking for extra moisture.

✅ Use coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.

✅ Try different apple varieties to change the taste.

✅ Serve with vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat!

🔥 Enjoy your delicious Mini Apple Cakes! 🍏🍰