Milk Cake with Apples Recipe

Milk Cake with Apples Recipe

If you love soft, moist, and comforting desserts, this Milk Cake with Apples will steal your heart. It’s a cross between a fluffy sponge and a creamy pudding, layered with tender caramelized apples and soaked in a warm, milky syrup. Think of it as an apple version of tres leches cake — only simpler and with that cozy homemade charm.

Perfect for fall evenings, Sunday brunches, or a family get-together, this cake balances sweetness, creaminess, and fruity freshness in every bite. You’ll love how the warm milk mixture seeps through the soft crumb, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s irresistible.

🕒 Time & Intensity

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking/Baking Time: 40–45 minutes

• Cooling & Soaking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

• Servings: 8–10 slices

🧈 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¾ cup warm milk

For the Milk Syrup:

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup evaporated milk

• 1 tbsp butter (for richness)

For the Apple Topping:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 medium apple, diced or sliced thin

Optional Garnishes:

• Whipped cream

• Caramel drizzle

• Crushed walnuts or almonds

• Extra cinnamon powder

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish or round cake pan with parchment paper.

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until the apples turn soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.

This step adds a warm, caramel-like depth to your cake that pairs beautifully with the milk-soaked base later on.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

In another large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy and pale — about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer. Slowly pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the warm milk, mixing gently until everything is incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Arrange the caramelized apple slices evenly on top, then pour in the remaining batter. Smooth the surface gently.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes, then poke small holes across the surface using a skewer or fork — this helps the milk syrup soak in beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Milk Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and butter. Warm over low heat (don’t boil) for 3–4 minutes, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly frothy.

Pour this warm milk mixture slowly over the cake while it’s still warm. Allow the cake to absorb the milk for at least 30 minutes at room temperature — or refrigerate for a few hours if you like it chilled and ultra-moist.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Before serving, quickly caramelize one more apple in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon — just like before. Spoon this mixture over the top of the cake for a glossy finish.

You can also add a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle some caramel sauce, or sprinkle toasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

💡 Tips for the Perfect Milk Cake with Apples

1. Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala — they hold shape and add natural sweetness.

2. Don’t overmix the batter; a light hand keeps the cake tender.

3. The milk syrup can be adjusted — use less for a fluffy texture or more for a pudding-like consistency.

4. Want extra richness? Replace some of the milk with heavy cream.

5. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the condensed milk slightly or use unsweetened evaporated milk.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

This cake tastes divine both warm and chilled.

• Warm version: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel.

• Cold version: Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours — it’ll firm up slightly and taste like a custardy tres leches with apple pie flavor.

Pair it with a cup of chai, cappuccino, or even cold brew for a comforting dessert or afternoon treat.

🧮 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

(based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 295 kcal

• Protein: 6 g

• Carbohydrates: 38 g

• Sugars: 24 g

• Fat: 13 g

• Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 80 mg

• Sodium: 120 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Calcium: 90 mg

• Iron: 1.3 mg

(Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.)

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Milk Cake with Apples is one of those desserts that remind you why homemade baking never goes out of style. It’s rustic yet elegant — soft, creamy, slightly spongy, and bursting with apple-cinnamon goodness.

Whether you make it for a cozy family dinner, a festive gathering, or just to satisfy a dessert craving, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your favorites list. Every forkful delivers the creamy comfort of milk cake and the autumnal sweetness of caramelized apples — a match made in dessert heaven!

So next time you’re craving something comforting and a little nostalgic, skip the boxed mix and bake this homemade milk cake with apples — it’s love in every bite. ❤️