You want a festive apple dessert that everyone will thoroughly enjoy, yet doesn't take all day in the kitchen -- you've come to the right place. Apple Pudding is the perfect recipe to have on hand this time of year. It's a quick-fix that's decadently moist, loaded with big apple flavor, easy to make and tastes amazing.
If you're not yet familiar with this recipe, you'll soon find out exactly what it is, just how easy it is to make, and why it deserves an everlasting spot on your dessert table.
Behold, the best Apple Pudding Cake you've ever laid tastebuds on. The base of the pudding-like cake is not only creamy and soft, it's completely loaded with cinnamon-apple flavor. A winning combination for the fall...or any time of the year really.
You'll also love our Southern Kentucky Butter Cake! Bookmark the recipe for your next baking extravaganza!
THE ONE ADDITION THAT WON'T GO UNNOTICED
When I first uncovered this glorious dessert, I was a little taken aback by its simplicity. The recipe required only a simple batter and sliced apples. With the batter essentially being a dump and stir combo, I figured we could spare a few extra moments in the kitchen to make this an over-the-top, decadently gooey Apple Pudding. This is where the stovetop caramel apples came in.
Stovetop apples are quick and easy to make, and they come out swimming in a heavenly caramel sauce. I've made these apples for years for my little girls, and they've yet to get old. I imagined how beautiful they would be on top of an Apple Pudding Cake. It was a simple, yet special touch, that took this dessert to the next level.
The addition did not go unnoticed. Guests were already drooling at the scent of the cake alone, but once presented with its gooey cinnamon apple topping, there was no resisting. They raved over the final product and listened in disbelief as I told them how truly easy it was.
The cake even received praise from those who, before taking a bite, claimed their opposition to fruit-laden desserts, and they all commented on its uncanny resemblance to Southern Bread Pudding. However, Apple Pudding comes together with far less work and much, much faster.
WHAT IS APPLE PUDDING?
Apple Pudding, which is actually much more of a cake than a pudding, usually has sliced apples either throughout the batter, on top of the cake, or both. It has the soft and tender crumb of a cake, and a moist, almost sticky bite very similar to bread pudding.
APPLE PUDDING VS. BREAD PUDDING
Bread pudding is made up of crusty bread, usually contains 4-5 eggs to make up the custard, and must soak for hours before it is ready to bake. Apple pudding, on the other hand, begins with a very simple batter, most recipes don't even call for eggs at all, and it can be assembled and baked in less than an hour.
The point being, if you're a fan of bread pudding, you are going to love Apple Pudding for its similarities in flavor and texture, but, even more so, for all of its quick and easy recipe advantages.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST APPLE PUDDING CAKE
This isn't just any ol' Apple Pudding Cake recipe. This one is the absolute best, and much of the credit is due to the apples themselves. Yes. Those cinnamon apples brought to your attention earlier. You know? The ones cloaked in a gooey homemade caramel sauce? Not only does this recipe feature apples running throughout the batter of the cake, there is a decadent addition on top as well.
(1) PREPARE THE CINNAMON APPLES
Apple pudding begins with apples. Naturally. Sliced apples go for a quick saute on the stovetop. Once they've had a few minutes to soften up, the sugar, water, and spices go in. The sugar melts down to create a perfectly gooey caramel sauce. Now, give yourself a pat on the back. You're pretty much halfway done!
(2) MAKE THE BATTER
The beautiful thing about this recipe, besides the flavor, of course, is its simplicity. The batter comes together in one single bowl. You'll first mix together your dry ingredients, then add the wet. Stir it all together, and lastly, you'll add half of the cinnamon apples, and give it one final stir.
(3) BAKE
The batter is then transferred to an 8" square baking dish, and the cake is ready after just 30 minutes or so in the oven when the center is set and the edges are a perfect golden-brown.
(4) ADD THE TOPPING
Once the cake is ready, it's the moment we've all been waiting for -- the addition of that divine apple topping. Poke holes across the top of the cake using either a toothpick or the tines of a fork, and evenly spoon the remaining apples, as well as the caramel sauce across the top. I know it'll be tough, but give the cake just a moment to soak up all that caramel goodness, and then, get those spoons ready to dive right in.
When apple season rolls around, this should be the first recipe that comes to mind. It's a quick and easy, must-have recipe for the holidays when time is always of the essence, perfect for dinner parties, potluck gatherings, and more. Speaking of more...
MORE APPLE DESSERT RECIPES TO TRY
- Easy Homemade Apple Pie keeps things simple with a minimalist approach without losing any of the flavor. The ingredients come together in just the right way, and ultimately yielding an absolutely perfect Homemade Apple Pie.
- If you're a fan of caramel apples, you are going to swoon for Baked Brie with Apples and Walnuts. Gooey, melty baked brie topped with diced apples and crunchy walnuts, all smothered in a bubbly, luscious caramel sauce.
- Looking for a quick-fix appetizer that takes less than 10 minutes to prepare? You're going to want to get your mitts on this Caramel Apple Dip with Cream Cheese. With its sweet cheesecake-like base, caramel topping, and chopped chocolate toffee, this dip will have your guests coming back again, and again...and again.
Apple Pudding Cake
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, separated
- 2 Firm, tart apples (such as Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, or Granny Smith), peeled and cut into ¼" thick slices
- ¼ cup water
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, separated
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt + a pinch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° and have ready a greased 8"x8" square baking dish.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. As soon as the butter has melted, add the sliced apples. Sauté the apples for 2-3 minutes, just until a little color starts to develop.
- Add the water, brown sugar, 1 ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a generous pinch of salt to the pan, and stir to combine. Allow to cook 5-7 minutes longer, stirring often, until the apples have softened and the sauce has thickened. Set aside until ready to use.
- Melt the remaining 10 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe dish. Set aside until ready to use.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Stir in milk, followed by the melted butter and vanilla.
- Using a slotted spoon, add about half of the cooked apples to the batter and stir once more. Do not add the sauce at this time. Set remaining apples and sauce aside.
- Transfer the batter to the baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, just until the center is set and the edges are golden.
- Remove from the oven, poke holes across the top using either a toothpick or the tines of a fork. Spoon the remaining apples and caramel sauce across the top. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
Wendy Klik says
Oh my, dish me some up please.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Wendy!
Carlee says
Oooooh yes, serve me up a nice big helping with plenty of ice cream!
Kelly Anthony says
Always with ice cream!!! 😉
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
This looks amazing! I'm pinning it for later!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much!
Amy Nash says
Oh my word, Kelly, this looks amazing. Like, it's calling my name. I think this may have to be the first AppleWeek recipe I try this year.
Madison | A Joyfully Mad Kitchen says
This apple pudding looks HEAVENLY. I've never heard of such a thing but now I want it!!
Annissa says
Interesting apple recipe love the flavor combinations. This would be great for thanksgiving or any holidays!
Mary Bostow says
Wow, I want to eat it every day! I'm sure this is very tasty. This is a great recipe for me. THANK YOU!
Julia says
Mmm... now that I read about the difference between apple pudding and bread pudding I think I prefer the apple pudding! Excellent recipe.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Julia! 🙂
Jessica Formicola says
This is the perfect way to use up my extra apples! So good!
Katie says
I love the apple desserts this time of year! Such great flavors- and I agree on your choice of apple. The more firm apples with a bit of bite to them are always best.
Tayler Ross says
This is one of my family's favorite desserts! Such a great recipe!
Jia says
This looks delicious ! How far in advance can i make the caramel sauteed apples ? A day before?
Kelly Anthony says
The apples could be done 2-3 days in advance 🙂
Jia says
This looks delicious .
how far in advance can i make ot for a dinner party? And how to store it then?
Kelly Anthony says
You could do the cinnamon apple portion of the recipe 2-3 days in advance!
Lia says
Thank you. I lost my recipe I’d been making since the 70s. Recipe came from a church lady cookbook. I didn’t make it often enough to memorize it, unfortunately. With the exception of the caramelized apples, this recipe is close enough for me. I’ve made it with peaches, berries, mulberries, mango. All fruits are excellent. I change the spices to suit the fruit.
Kelly Anthony says
That is such a great idea! Thank you for sharing that, Lia!