Instructions:
Prepare the oven & pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or a round springform pan.
Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Make the batter
In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Prepare the pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk the pudding mix with milk until it thickens slightly (about 2 minutes).
Assemble the cake
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Layer the apple slices evenly on top. Pour the pudding mixture over the apples. Then spoon the remaining batter gently over the pudding (don’t worry if it doesn’t cover completely; it will spread as it bakes).
Bake
Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the pudding layer) comes out clean.
Cool & serve
Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for an extra treat.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake
Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance with the sweet pudding.
Don’t skip the cinnamon — it makes the cake taste warm and cozy.
This cake is delicious the next day, as the pudding keeps it moist.
A Dessert That Brings People Together
Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making. It’s the cake you bring to a family dinner, share at a holiday table, or bake on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor — it’s proof that sometimes the best desserts aren’t complicated at all.
