Autumn brings with it a bounty of crisp, juicy apples, perfect for creating warm, spiced desserts that embody the essence of the season. Among those treats, the Fresh Apple Cake stands out as a beloved classic—a moist, dense cake that’s rich with the flavors of fresh apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, often topped with a sweet glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re using heirloom varieties from the orchard or the trusty apples from your local market, this Fresh Apple Cake recipe will give you a taste of fall’s comfort in every slice.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar or vanilla glaze for topping (optional)
Instructions:
Prep Work:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a Bundt pan and set aside.
Mixing Dry Ingredients:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Mixing Wet Ingredients:
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well incorporated.
Combining:
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The batter will be quite thick.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Fold the chopped apples and nuts (if using) into the batter. The moisture from the apples will loosen the batter as you stir.
Baking:
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cooling:
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, if using a Bundt pan, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If using a 9×13-inch pan, the cake can be served directly from the pan.
Topping:
- Top as Desired: Once the cake is cool, dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with a vanilla glaze, if desired.
Conclusion
Fresh Apple Cake is a heartwarming dessert that truly captures the flavor of fresh apples within a tender, spice-infused cake. It’s a straightforward recipe that yields results fit for any autumnal celebration, afternoon tea, or simply as a treat alongside your coffee on a brisk fall morning. One of the joys of this cake is its adaptability; feel free to add raisins, swap out spices, or play with the type of apples for different nuances in flavor. No matter how you customize it, the result is always a comforting, moist cake that invites you to sit back, relax, and savor the flavors of fall.