This Apple Cake with Honey and Coconut Shavings is a moist, flavorful dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of apples, the richness of honey, and the delicate crunch of coconut. With its golden caramelized apple layers and tender vanilla-scented sponge, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for both everyday indulgence and special celebrations. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy afternoon snack or a festive dessert, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Time
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6–8 servings
Cuisine: European-Inspired
Ingredients (in Cups and Grams)
For the Apples:
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3 apples, peeled and sliced
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60 g (2 oz / ¼ cup) unsalted butter
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40 g (1.4 oz / 3 tablespoons) sugar
For the Batter:
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3 large eggs
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110 g (4 oz / ½ cup + 1 tbsp) sugar
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A pinch of salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
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120 ml (½ cup) milk
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2 tablespoons yogurt
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300 g (10.5 oz / 2½ cups) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder (raising agent)
For Topping:
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Honey, for drizzling
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Coconut shavings, for sprinkling
Directions
Prepare the Apples
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Melt the butter and stir in the sugar.
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Add sliced apples and sauté for about 5 minutes until caramelized and soft.
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Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Batter
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In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar until pale and fluffy.
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Gradually add milk and yogurt while continuing to mix.
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Sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Assemble the Cake
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Grease and flour a round baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
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Layer the caramelized apple slices evenly over the batter.
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Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer, spreading it gently to cover.
Bake the Cake
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finish and Serve
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Once the cake has slightly cooled, drizzle generously with honey.
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Sprinkle with coconut shavings before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
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Pair with a cup of black tea, chai latte, or brewed coffee.
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Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Cooking Tips
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Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
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To keep apples from sinking, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before layering.
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If you prefer a spiced version, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter.
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Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling with honey so it absorbs into the crust gently without making it soggy.
Nutritional Benefits
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Apples: Provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion.
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Yogurt: Adds calcium and probiotics, great for bone and gut health.
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Honey: Natural sweetener rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.
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Coconut: Offers healthy fats and fiber, plus a delightful texture contrast.
Dietary Information
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Vegetarian: Yes
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour as a 1:1 substitute
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Dairy-Free: Replace milk and yogurt with almond or oat milk and a plant-based yogurt alternative
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Nut-Free: Yes, as long as coconut is tolerated
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
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Calories: ~220 kcal
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Protein: 4 g
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Carbohydrates: 35 g
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Fat: 8 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugar: 15 g
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Sodium: 90 mg
Storage
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight or reheat gently before serving.
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Room Temperature: Keeps well covered for up to 1 day in a cool place.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to Make: Simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep.
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Moist and Flavorful: Caramelized apples make the cake tender and sweet without being overly rich.
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Versatile: Ideal for dessert, brunch, or tea time.
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Customizable: Adapt it with seasonal fruits or added nuts and spices.
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Naturally Sweetened: Uses honey for a richer, more natural sweetness.
Conclusion
This Apple Cake with Honey and Coconut Shavings is a celebration of natural sweetness and soft textures. It’s a cake that tastes as beautiful as it looks—moist, aromatic, and perfectly sweet. Whether shared over coffee or packed into a picnic basket, it’s a dependable dessert that brings comfort and joy. Give it a try, and it may just become your go-to apple cake recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears, peaches, or even plums can be used in place of apples. -
What kind of honey works best?
Light, floral varieties like acacia, clover, or orange blossom complement the apple flavor well. -
Can I skip the coconut shavings?
Absolutely. You can replace them with chopped nuts or leave them out altogether. -
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and non-dairy yogurt. -
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser and slightly more rustic. -
How do I keep the apples from sinking?
Toss them with a bit of flour before layering, or place them on top of a thicker batter layer. -
Can I add cinnamon?
Yes! Cinnamon pairs beautifully with apples and enhances the flavor. -
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. -
Can I bake this in muffin tins?
Yes, reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes and fill muffin cups ¾ full. -
How long does it keep fresh?
The cake stays moist and delicious for 2–3 days in the fridge or up to a month in the freezer.