This chocolate glazed apple cake is a tender, buttery cake studded with fresh apple pieces and finished with a rich, glossy chocolate glaze. It’s a cozy and indulgent dessert that brings together the comforting warmth of apples with the decadence of chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and flavorful from fresh apple chunks folded into the batter
Balanced sweetness with fruity and chocolate notes
The chocolate glaze adds elegance and a bakery-quality finish
Simple ingredients and easy preparation
Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or coffee breaks

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Whole milk or buttermilk
Fresh apples (peeled and diced)
Ground cinnamon (optional)

For the glaze:

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
Heavy cream
Butter (for shine and richness)

Topping (optional):

Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Diced caramelized apples or dried fruits

Directions

Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease and flour a round or bundt cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the diced apples gently with a spatula.
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, heat cream and butter until hot (not boiling), pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth.
Pour glaze over the cooled cake and allow it to drip down the sides. Top with chopped nuts or diced caramelized apples if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Spiced version: Add nutmeg and cloves for a deeper fall flavor.
Caramel glaze: Swap chocolate glaze for homemade or store-bought caramel.
No glaze: Dust with powdered sugar for a simpler presentation.
Apple-cinnamon swirl: Layer cinnamon sugar through the batter for a marbled effect.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Store at room temperature (covered) for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed cake wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.
Reheating: Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this cake?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for structure and flavor.

Does the glaze harden or stay soft?

The glaze remains soft and glossy but will set slightly after cooling.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored covered until serving.

Can I bake this as cupcakes instead?

Yes. Reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes and adjust glaze amount accordingly.

Can I reduce the sugar in the batter?

Yes, reduce by up to ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet cake, especially with the glaze.

Is this cake suitable for kids?

Absolutely. The flavors are mild and appealing, and it contains fruit.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for added richness.

Can I make the glaze with milk instead of cream?

Yes, but cream yields a smoother, richer texture. Whole milk is the best substitute.

Should the cake be served warm or chilled?

It’s best served at room temperature, though slightly warm slices are also delicious.

Can I use oil instead of butter in the batter?

You can use vegetable oil, but the texture will be a bit more dense and less buttery.

Conclusion

This chocolate glazed apple cake delivers everything you want in a comforting dessert — tender crumb, fruity pockets of apple, and a luxurious chocolate finish. It’s an easy yet impressive cake that suits any season or occasion. Let me know when you’re ready for the third article.