Some desserts are fancy, some are indulgent, but then there are those that taste like comfort itself. Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding is one of those recipes — warm, cozy, and just sweet enough to make you close your eyes with the first bite. It’s the kind of cake that feels homemade even if you’ve never baked before. Best of all, it combines two classics: juicy apples and creamy vanilla pudding. Together, they create a soft, moist cake with a custard-like heart that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why This Cake Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its balance. The apples bring a natural sweetness and slight tartness, while the vanilla pudding adds a creamy layer that makes the cake extra moist. Instead of being dense like some fruit cakes, this one stays light but rich, with every bite bursting with flavor.
It’s perfect for fall, when apples are at their best, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll find yourself baking it year-round. Serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert worthy of any occasion.
Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk
Instructions:
Instructions:
Prepare the oven & pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-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.