Traeger Apple Cake Recipe

Traeger Apple Cake is a delightful way to bake a favorite classic. Using a pellet grill (commonly called a Traeger) gives this apple cake a subtle, wood-fired note that pairs beautifully with tender cake and a crunchy streusel topping. If you’ve never considered baking a cake on a pellet smoker, this recipe will show you how easy and delicious it can be.

Traeger Apple Cake Recipe

Apple cake is one of those desserts that works year-round. While many people think of apples as a fall ingredient, the convenience of a pellet grill makes it simple to bake this cake anytime. Pellet grills hold temperature steadily, so you get an evenly baked cake with a hint of smoky flavor that enhances the apples and brown sugar.

This cake is ideal for a leisurely Sunday morning with coffee, yet it also makes a cozy dessert. Warm it briefly before serving to bring out the flavors and soften the streusel. The cake slices reliably and reheats well, so it’s great for prepping ahead or feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Perfect Breakfast Cake – Sweet, tender, and made to pair with coffee or tea.
Pellet Grill Flavor – A light wood-fired note complements the apples without overpowering them.
Simple Streusel – A buttery crumb topping adds bakery-level texture.
Great Make-Ahead – Slices well and reheats neatly for next-day breakfasts.
Feeds a Crowd – One 9×13 pan serves many with minimal fuss.

Recipe Shopping List

Below are the main ingredients you’ll need. For exact quantities and the full method, see the recipe card and instructions further down.

Canola or neutral vegetable oil – keeps the cake moist
Brown sugar – adds caramel notes and moisture
Egg – provides structure
Sour cream – keeps the cake tender; plain Greek yogurt works as a substitute
Baking soda and baking powder – leavening to keep the crumb light
Vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor
All-purpose flour – the cake’s structure
Apples – choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, or a mix
Butter, oats, and cinnamon – for the streusel topping
Powdered sugar and milk – to make an optional glaze

How To Make This Recipe (Overview)

This overview gives a quick look at the process. Read the full instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below before you start.

Preheat & Prep: Heat your pellet grill or oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
Make the Batter: Beat oil, brown sugar, egg, sour cream, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, and flour until combined. Fold in finely diced apples.
Spread & Top: Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Combine streusel ingredients until crumbly and scatter over the batter.
Protect from Direct Heat: If using a pellet grill, place the pan on an upper rack if possible. If not, add an inverted empty high-sided 9×13 pan beneath the cake pan to increase the distance from the heat source.
Bake: Bake at 325°F for about 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Cool & Serve: Cool 10 minutes, then drizzle glaze if desired and serve warm.

Recipe Card

Yield: 12 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Cake

1/2 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
1 large egg
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large apples, finely diced

Streusel

1 stick butter, softened and cut into cubes
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2–1 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste

Glaze (optional)

2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon apple-cinnamon blend or ground cinnamon (optional)
3 tablespoons milk, or as needed to reach drizzle consistency

Instructions

Preheat the pellet grill or oven to 325°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray or butter.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine oil, brown sugar, egg, sour cream, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, and flour. Mix until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Make the streusel by cutting the butter into the brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
If using a pellet grill, place the cake on an upper rack or create distance from the fire by inverting an empty high-sided 9×13 pan beneath the filled pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Cool the cake for about 10 minutes. Whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon (if using), and milk until smooth; drizzle over the warm cake. Serve warm.

Recipe FAQ

What kind of apples work best? Firm baking apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold up well and provide a balance of tartness and sweetness. Mixing varieties can add depth of flavor and texture. Avoid apples that are overly soft or mealy.

Tips & Variations

To adjust sweetness, use more tart apples or reduce brown sugar slightly.
For a nutty streusel, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
Reheat slices in a warm oven for 5–7 minutes or a few seconds in the microwave for a cozy serving.
If you prefer no smoke flavor, this cake bakes perfectly in a conventional oven at the same temperature and time.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

This Traeger apple cake combines tender, buttery cake with juicy apples and a crunchy streusel, finished with a simple glaze. It’s a great weekend treat and a lovely way to use seasonal apples. Enjoy warm for best flavor and texture.