Simple Spanish Apple Cake Recipe

When it comes to creating desserts, there is nothing more comforting than returning to what you already know and love.

The same holds true for those Spanish desserts that have been passed down through families for generations. 

One example of this philosophy is the Spanish apple cake, as it is a simple and traditional dessert that contains nothing more than soft, juicy apples and a very simple tart base to create a deliciously warm & comforting dessert.

This cake is easy to make, it doesn’t require experience in baking, and it is excellent to eat all year round.

Keep reading as we explore its recipe and ways to nail every step of it.

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Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Spanish dessert recipes? Have a look at my other posts: 

• Pumpkin spice flan cake

• Spanish almond cake

• Spanish custard tarts

Background of the Dish

Pinpointing the exact origin of this cake is not easy, especially since apple-based desserts have been part of home baking for centuries and each region has its own version. 

This recipe belongs to a long tradition of simple, seasonal baking that values accessible ingredients and homemade techniques.

Over time, this Traditional Spanish apple dessert became a familiar presence in homes across Spain, often prepared as a comforting sweet rather than a showy pastry. 

Today, the Spanish apple cake is commonly found in family kitchens and small bakeries, enjoyed as an everyday dessert or paired with coffee, proving that some of the most enduring recipes are also the simplest ones.

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Things You’ll Need for Spanish Apple Cake

To prepare the best Spanish apple cake recipe, you will need flour, sugar, apples, butter, and jam as the main ingredients.

Ideally, you will need a springform pan, but if that’s not possible, any oven-safe pan will do.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 200g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) cold butter
• 50g (1/2 cup) granulated white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 4–5 apples (Granny Smith or Reinette)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the topping:

• 3 tablespoons peach or apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon water

How to Make Spanish Apple Cake – Step by Step Guide

1. To start with this Spanish apple tart recipe, grab cold butter, straight from the fridge, and cut it into cubes. Put it back in the fridge a little longer while you prepare the dry ingredients.

2. Then grab a bowl and sift the flour. Add a pinch of salt and the sugar, and mix briefly. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

3. After that, add the egg and mix until you have a smooth, homogeneous dough, without overworking it. Cover the Spanish cake dough with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes.

4. In the meantime, peel the apples and slice them thinly. Place them in a bowl, and pour lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon on top. Mix well and set it aside as the fruit absorbs the ingredients.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough and line a greased and floured tart tin. Prick the base with a fork and bake for 10 minutes to par-bake it.

6. Now, take the base out of the oven and arrange the sliced ​​apples over the dough in a fan or spiral pattern. Return to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the apples are golden brown and the crust is cooked through.

7. For the finishing touch, heat the jam and water together over low heat until smooth. While the tart is still warm, brush the surface with this mixture for a glossy finish.

8. To finish the recipe, let the homemade apple tart cool to room temperature before unmolding. Then, you can serve the tart cold or heat the slices for a bit in the oven or microwave.

Substitution of Ingredients

This Spanish-style apple pie is easier to prepare than the North American version—since it doesn’t have a crust to slow down the baking process—and even better, it allows for more ingredient changes.

First, you can make this traditional apple pie with gluten-free flour to make it suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Just be sure to clean everything thoroughly and choose gluten-free ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.

For this easy Spanish apple pie, you can also replace the butter with margarine or shortening, but we encourage you to keep the butter, as the flavor and flakiness of the crust are difficult to recreate with alternatives.

If you’d like to try more desserts with fruity flavors, then we recommend you try our Spanish orange cake, banana croquettes, and lemon tart recipes.

Tips on Serving Spanish Apple Cake

Once you’ve finished preparing the recipe, the Spanish Apple Cake will be ready to be served and enjoyed, but there are a few tips that will help you elevate the experience.

For example, you can serve the cake with jam on top, or with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder.

You can even top it with salted caramel sauce for a more contrasting flavor.

You can also serve the Spanish apple cake warm (by heating it in the microwave or oven), in which case it’s best paired with ice cream for a fantastic blend of textures and temperatures.

If you’re having a party or have many guests coming, you can create a table full of Andalusian sweets and desserts, including classics like chocoflan recipe, Spanish bread pudding, and dulce de leche cupcakes.

How to Store Spanish Apple Cake

This Spanish apple cake is a great make-ahead dessert, as it keeps very well at room temperature for up to 1 day without losing flavor or texture.

For that, simply store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it on the counter in a cool, dry place.

If you prefer to store the homemade apple cake from Spain for longer, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best results.

You can also freeze this apple tart for up to 2 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

To defrost, leave it in the fridge overnight and warm it gently in the oven before serving.

Other delicious Spanish recipes that you can make and save for later are the delightful Spanish caramel cake and the fantastic Spanish Chocolate Biscuit Cake.

Recipe Card: Spanish Apple Cake

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