Easy Apple Cake - Sharlotka (VIDEO)

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Meet your new favorite Easy Apple Cake! This Russian apple cake (a.k.a. Sharlotka) is soft, moist, airy, and easy with only 6 ingredients.
Apples are so versatile for Fall baking, and we sure love to make good use of them in recipes like Baked Apples, classic Apple Pie, and of course Apple Fritters (a favorite for our kiddos). Cooked apples become tender and concentrated with their best sweet and tangy flavors.

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We originally published our Sharlotka cake in 2014 and this is the new and improved version. We upgraded it with more sweet-tart apples and this one rises taller with the addition of baking powder. Watch the easy video tutorial below with step-by-step instructions on making this apple cake.
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What is Sharlotka? Sharlotka is a classic Russian apple sponge cake that has been made for centuries. The batter relies on the beaten eggs to give it rise which results in a soft, moist, and tender crumb. It is a simple but beautiful cake when served and all you need is a dusting of powdered sugar to finish it. It has some serious rustic charm with bites of apple crowning the top.

Ingredients for Apple CakeThe ingredients for this apple cake are so simple. You probably already have everything you need to make this apple cake.

Eggs – we use large eggs at room temperature. Cold eggs take significantly longer to whip.

Sugar – sweetens the cake and adds stability for beating eggs.

Flour – we used all-purpose flour (make sure to measure correctly)

Baking Powder – helps the cake rise more evenly.

Vanilla extract – adds more flavor and a pleasant aroma

Granny Smith apples – these hold up really well for baking but can be substituted for another crisp, sweet-tart apple.

Powdered sugar – a.k.a. confectioners sugar to dust the top before serving. What you will need

Springform pan – we used a 9″ pan with 3-inch tall walls

Parchment paper – cut into a circle to line the bottom of the pan

Stand Mixer – or you can use an electric hand mixer but it will take longer to mix.

How to Make Apple Cake

Prep: Preheat oven and line the bottom of a 9″springform pan with parchment paper.

Beat eggs in a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment on high speed for 1 minute. Gradually add sugar and beat another 8-10 minutes.

Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4″ thick pieces. An apple slicer or an apple corer makes this job easier.

Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl then sift into egg mixture in 3 additions, folding with each addition then fold in vanilla.

Fold in apples, reserving 1 cup of apples. Transfer batter to the prepared springform pan, sprinkle the top with reserved apples and bake at 350˚F for 50-55 minutes until golden brown on top.

Rest in pan for 15 minutes then run a knife around the edges to loosen from the pan and transfer to a cake platter to cool. Dust with powdered sugar to serve.

Pro Tip: As with any egg-based cake, it is ultra important to be sure you beat the eggs and sugar sufficiently. If using a high-powered electric hand mixer, add 2 minutes to the beating time in step 2. Also, keep this cake away from outdoor draft, which can cause it to smell eggy.

This apple cake satisfies the craving for something sweet, but it’s not too sweet. All it needs is a light dusting of powdered sugar to serve. You will enjoy every bite!
Can I make this ahead? Sharlotka cake tastes best if it is enjoyed within 4 hours of making it so you can make it a few hours ahead. If you have leftovers, cover with plastic wrap and store the cake in a draft-free spot, at room temperature overnight. I love a slice of leftover Sharlotka as an after-breakfast treat.

This easy Apple Cake is one of those recipes you’ll make over and over. I hope it because a favorite go-to cake for you as well during apple season.
Thank you for trying our recipes and sharing them with the people you love. I’m so thankful for you :). YOU are the reason why I love this job of mine so very much!
Loads of love, -Natasha
Our Best Apple Recipes

Classic Apple Pie – with the best filling

Apple Sauce – my favorite canning project

Apple Slab Pie – with puff pastry crust

Baked Apples – make your house smell amazing

Apple Turnovers – one of the easiest desserts

Apple Coffee Cake – a.k.a. “Apple Dapple Cake”