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Home » Cake

Published: Sep 9, 2019 · Modified: Aug 11, 2023 by Kathy

Cocoa Apple Cake

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A slice of chocolate cake with a dollop of whip cream on top.

A delicious chocolate cake with fresh apples, chocolate chips, and walnuts. This cocoa apple cake is a super moist cake baked in a bundt pan.

No need for frosting, just add a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect dessert.

A slice of chocolate bundt cake topped with whipped cream.

Delicious apple cake

Cocoa apple cake is the perfect fall dessert. Well, actually it would be perfect for any time of the year, but I seem to only make it in the fall when we pick fresh apples.

This recipe comes from my aunt. I remember her making it when I was a teenager. I loved it and asked for her recipe. Yep, I collected recipes even way back then!

That recipe sat in my recipe card file for years until recently when I was flipping through the cards and found it! I quickly made this cocoa apple cake.

It was just as good as I remembered as a kid - moist and full of chocolate and little bits of apple. There's nothing better than finding an old forgotten recipe and it becomes a new favorite!

This is an easy-to-make dessert that will leave people asking you for the recipe!

If you love this apple cake, you'll also want to check out this easy cinnamon apple cake!

A bundt cake sliced.

Step by step directions

In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.

  • Cream together butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla and water
  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and salt
A bowl filled with butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Dry ingredients in a glass bowl.
  • Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients
  • Fold in chocolate chips, grated apples and chopped walnuts
Electric mixer beaters in a bowlful of chocolate cake batter.
Apples, walnuts and chocolate chips in a bowl of cake batter.
  • Grease and flour a bundt pan
  • Add cake batter to pan
A bundt pan with a light covering of flour.
Cake batter in a bundt pan.
  • Bake in a 350 degree oven for 60 - 70 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cake to fully cool before removing from pan.
A toothpick testing to see if a chocolate cake is done.
  • To remove from pan, invert pan and gently shake.
Apple Cake on a Baking Rack

To prepare the bundt pan

  • Start by spraying the pan well with a non-stick cooking spray.
  •  Then take a small amount of flour and sprinkle it in the pan.
  • Gently rotate the pan around and tap the sides.
  • Shake out any excess flour.

Recipe tips

  • Use a crisp, tart apple for best results.
  • Grate apples on the large holes of a grater.
  • To avoid sticking, spray the bundt pan with a nonstick spray and then add a light coat of flour. Knock off excess flour.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before removing the cake.

Recipe Faqs

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If the toothpick is covered with wet crumbs, allow 5 more minutes of baking. If there are just a few crumbs on the toothpick, the cake is done. If your toothpick comes out covered with melted chocolate, just use a new toothpick and select another spot to test.

How long will this cake last?

This cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Once the cake is cooled, place in an airtight container or place on a plate and cover it with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Serving suggestion

This apple cake does not need a frosting. I like to serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

More delicious desserts

  • chocolate mayonnaise cupcakes
  • chocolate bundt cake
  • oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
  • peach cobbler
  • raspberry almond coffee cake
  • applesauce cake
  • blueberry lemon bundt cake
  • apple tart
Apple Cake baked into a round bundt cake.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

If you loved this recipe you'll LOVE all the others in this category. Check out all my dessert recipes here!

  • A slice of Rhubarb Coffee Cake on a small white plate.
    Rhubarb Coffee Cake
  • A slice of chocolate layer cake with the end piece sliced off with a fork.
    Chocolate Layer Cake
  • Chocolate Ganache with cocoa powder swirled on a layered cake.
    Chocolate Ganache
  • Brownie peanut butter cups stacked on a counter.
    Brownie Peanut Butter Cups

This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay.

A slice of chocolate bundt cake topped with whipped cream.

Cocoa Apple Cake

Kathy Berget
Moist chocolate cake made with fresh apples, chocolate chips and walnuts
5 from 64 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 513 kcal

Equipment

  • Bundt Pan
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 whole eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups grated apples
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Cream together eggs, sugar, butter, water, and vanilla.
    3 whole eggs, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup butter, ½ cup water, 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and salt.
    2 ½ cups flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Add dry mixture to creamed mixture.
  • Fold in walnuts, chocolate chips, and apples.
    2 cups grated apples, 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Place into a bundt pan that has been sprayed with a non-stick spray and dusted with flour.
  • Bake at 350 for 60 - 70 minutes.
  • Allow cake to cool before removing from pan.

Notes

  • Use a crisp, tart apple for best results.
  • Grate apples on the large holes of a grater.
  • To avoid sticking, spray bundt pan with a nonstick spray and then add a light coat of flour. Knock off excess flour.
  • Allow cake to cool completely before removing cake from pan.

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 513kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 5gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 287mgPotassium: 114mgFiber: 3gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 522IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

This recipe was originally posted in September of 2015. The recipe, post and pictures have been updated.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura says

    January 19, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    5 stars
    In the 70's I found this recipe in Readers Digest and have been making it ever since. A very good recipe! I used to make it in a spring pan. Tonight I will try the bunt pan.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      January 19, 2021 at 6:04 pm

      I've never tried making it in a spring pan. I'll need to try that sometime. Good luck with the bundt pan! Be sure to lightly grease and flour the pan to prevent sticking!

      Reply
  2. JoJo says

    January 02, 2021 at 11:26 am

    5 stars
    Omg this cake has been in my family for over 60 years and it’s a family favorite!!!!!.... there’s absolutely nothing better than this cake. My grandma used to make it for us when we were children and I would request it every year on my birthday. Now in my 60’s I’m making this cake all the time for my family

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      January 02, 2021 at 3:16 pm

      It is a great one! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Laura says

    October 15, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    5 stars
    My family loved this chocolate apple cake!!! Looks like I’ll be making it again and again.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      October 15, 2019 at 7:49 pm

      It's one of our favorites too! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Rosie says

    September 16, 2019 at 4:31 am

    This looks so delicious! I've never tried the apple/ chocolate combo in a cake and now I really want to!

    Reply
  5. Kelly | Foodtasia says

    September 13, 2019 at 7:00 am

    5 stars
    Oh yum, Kathy! So glad you rediscovered this in your recipe box! It looks wonderful! Love the addition of chocolate to the cake!

    Reply
  6. Valentina says

    September 11, 2019 at 8:47 am

    5 stars
    I don't think I've ever combined apples and chocolate and I love the idea! Loving apple recipes turning up as we step into fall. 🙂 ~Valentina

    Reply
  7. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says

    September 10, 2019 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    Divine!
    What a lovely combination! A perfect cake to enjoy with my coffee 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 10, 2019 at 6:45 pm

      So delicious with a cup of coffee!

      Reply
  8. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    September 10, 2019 at 6:18 am

    5 stars
    I just so happen to have everything I need! The perfect autumn cake! Wonderful!!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 10, 2019 at 6:46 pm

      Time to get baking! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    September 10, 2019 at 5:21 am

    5 stars
    Family recipes are always the best and this one sounds and looks so good, especially with all those warming spices and fall vibes! Bet your house smells AMAZING as it bakes! Wish I had a big hunk right now for breakfast 🙂 If only I could grab some from my screen 😉

    Reply
  10. David @ Spiced says

    September 10, 2019 at 4:36 am

    5 stars
    This sounds delicious, Kathy! We make apple cake (a couple different kinds actually) every Autumn, but I must admit that I've never done a chocolate apple cake. I'm thinking this needs to happen this year...with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream!

    Reply
  11. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    September 09, 2019 at 5:36 am

    5 stars
    This is so perfect for fall Kathy! It looks so moist. I'll need to get this one on my fall baking list for sure!

    Reply
  12. Neia says

    December 29, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    5 stars
    How kind of you, Kathy, to put up this delicious recipe. I took the liberty of swapping walnuts for cranberries, to be festive. I accidentally made cookies, as I overfilled the little Christmas stocking moulds and the tops crisped up and spilled over onto the tin, so I sliced them off and now have both cookies and tiny cakes.

    Reply
  13. Km Koesler says

    December 24, 2016 at 11:56 pm

    5 stars
    I've been hunting this recipe since the mid 1980's! Thank you so much for posting it. I found it in a magazine once, made it, and lost the issue. I've been trying to replicate it ever since! It is the best apple cake in my memory. Thank you again.

    Reply
  14. Kim | Low Carb Maven says

    June 28, 2016 at 8:23 am

    5 stars
    Kathy, I popped on over here from your Cherry Crisp recipe... The photo of this bundt cake would not be denied. It sounds like a wonderful recipe. Family recipes, passed down and shared, are often the best. I'm so happy you shared this stunner with us. Your photos are beautiful.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 29, 2016 at 7:08 am

      Thanks, Kim! Many of my best recipes are old family favorites! They are a favorite for a reason! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Manali @ CookWithManali says

    September 18, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    I love bundt cakes! this cake sounds delicious! 🙂

    Reply
  16. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    September 18, 2015 at 9:10 am

    This apple cocoa cake looks absolutely yummy. So stunning and full of delish flavors! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 14, 2019 at 8:28 am

      5 stars
      Thanks!

      Reply
  17. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says

    September 17, 2015 at 3:41 pm

    I totally agree. Anything baked in a bundt pan looks gorgeous. I really need to buy one..
    This cake sounds so good!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 18, 2015 at 4:57 am

      You do need to get yourself a bundt pan! You'll love it!

      Reply
  18. Fran @ G'day Souffle' says

    September 16, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    Kathy,I've recently been on a diet and lost 15 pounds, but maybe I can sneak a piece of this delicious cake!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 18, 2015 at 4:58 am

      Congrats to you! This cake is awfully tempting...approach with caution!

      Reply
  19. Laura @ Raise Your Garden says

    September 16, 2015 at 8:14 am

    You know Kathy, bundt cakes just make me happy. I have no clue why. It must be the shape. Or maybe just the fact I own one and lately I've been actively seeking recipes with cocoa powder to satisfy my chocolate cravings without heading down to the nearest chocolate shop and buying 2 pounds chocolate. Because that does nothing for me! And apples, excited this recipe calls for apples as my tree is thriving this year. Yay!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 16, 2015 at 4:51 pm

      This recipe sounds like it was made just for you!

      Reply
  20. Danielle @ So Munch Love says

    September 16, 2015 at 7:31 am

    Apple cake is delish, but cocoa apple cake?! That sounds divine. I am sooooo ready for fall apple picking!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      September 16, 2015 at 4:52 pm

      Most of our apples need a light frost. But we have a few early eaters right now! So yummy....especially in this cake!

      Reply
Newer Comments »
5 from 64 votes (45 ratings without comment)

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I'm Kathy, and I love to create delicious recipes from scratch utilizing many ingredients that we grow and raise. I'm a recipe creator, food photographer, and cookbook author!

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