Apple Cake Recipe

Apple Cake – Welcome to another treat, from my kitchen! Today I want to share with you a recipe that has been a hit in my family for years; the Apple Cake Recipe. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or simply looking for a dessert after a day this cake is the perfect choice. It combines apples, warming spices and a brown sugar glaze. Truly a celebration of simple and wholesome ingredients.

this Recipe

I still remember the first time I baked this Apple Cake. It was on a chilly autumn evening when our home was filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples. My husband, who has always had a spot for fruity desserts couldn’t resist sneaking a taste. Let’s not forget the joy in my little ones’ eyes as they savored each bite of the moist cake their fingers happily catching drips of glaze. From that moment it became a favorite at our family gatherings.

What makes this Apple Cake truly exceptional?

What makes this Apple Cake so exceptional? Well firstly it’s incredibly moist thanks to the addition of applesauce and orange juice. The combination of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice adds layers of flavor that perfectly complement the apples. Let’s not forget about that irresistible brown sugar glaze! It’s the finishing touch imparting a sweetness reminiscent of caramel that lingers with every mouthful creating an unforgettable taste experience.

What You Need To Make This Apple Cake Recipe?

All Purpose Flour: Our cake foundation giving it structure. For the best outcome use a spoon to measure the flour and level it off. This prevents the flour from being packed and ensures a light and fluffy cake.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These are our rising agents ensuring that our cake puffs up beautifully while maintaining a tender texture. The combination of both helps balance the acidity from the applesauce and sugar resulting in a perfect rise.

Salt: A pinch of salt is our ingredient, for balancing sweetness and enhancing all the flavors in the cake.

Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Allspice): These spices are what give our apple cake its heart and soul. They create an aromatic flavor profile that reminds us of autumn days. Using freshly ground spices will take the flavors to a new level.

Vegetable Oil: This is what keeps our cake moist. Cakes made with oil tend to stay softer compared to those made with butter especially when refrigerated.

Brown Sugar: A perfect duo, for adding depth of flavor. While granulated sugar provides sweetness brown sugar adds a touch of molasses and moisture contributing to the texture of the cake.

Unsweetened Applesauce: Not only does this ingredient enhance the apple flavor in our cake but it also keeps it moist without adding fat.
It’s a choice of using extra oil or butter.

Eggs: They help bind everything giving the cake structure and a delicious richness.

Vanilla Extract & Orange Juice: These ingredients bring a layer of complexity to the flavor. The subtle citrus note, from the orange juice nicely complements the apple and spices.

Chopped Apples: They are the star of this recipe! To enhance the flavor it’s recommended to use a mix of apple varieties. Cutting them into chunks ensures that every bite is filled with apple goodness.

Brown Sugar Glaze (Optional):

Unsalted Butter: This forms the base of our glaze adding a creamy texture.

Heavy Cream: It adds a richness to the glaze. If you prefer a lighter option you can substitute it with milk although keep in mind that it will result in a creamy glaze.

Confectioner’s Sugar: This gives our glaze its sweet finish. Make sure to sift it to avoid any lumps, for a silky glaze.

Steps To Make Apple Cake:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Make sure to grease a baking pan measuring 9×13 inches.

Step 2: In a bowl whisk together all the dry ingredients. In a bowl combine the wet ingredients and then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold in all of the apples.

Step 3: Evenly spread the batter, in the pan. Bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes. Remember to cover it with foil after 30 minutes to prevent browning.

Step 4: Allow the cake to cool for a while before deciding whether to dust it with confectioner’s sugar or apply a glaze.

Step 5: For the glaze melt butter along, with sugar, heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil then let it simmer before whisking in confectioner’s sugar. Allow it to cool before spooning it over the cake.

Tip:

To really enhance the apple flavor in your cake you might want to try a combination of apples and apple cider. Instead of using orange juice in the recipe substitute it with apple cider for an intense apple taste. The natural sweetness and tartness of the cider beautifully complement the spices. Deepen the apple flavor.

Moreover when choosing your apples go for a mix of varieties. Combine apples, like Granny Smith with ones like Honeycrisp or Gala. This will give your cake a sophisticated apple taste, in every bite setting it apart from ordinary apple-flavored desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of apples?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with types of apples. It can add a range of flavors to your cake.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

If stored correctly the cake will stay fresh for 2 days, at room temperature or up to 5 days, in the fridge.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this cake in advance. Just remember to add the glaze or sugar dusting before serving.

Apple Cake Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Indulge, in the flavors of autumn with this Apple Cake Recipe, a perfect combination of tastes and textures. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist and tender crumb that's wonderfully spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of ginger—all blending harmoniously with the sweetness of juicy apples. As you savor each bite you'll discover chunks of apple scattered throughout the interior creating a delightful surprise. To top it all off? A delectable brown sugar glaze that gracefully envelops the cake like a sweet hug. This recipe isn't, about dessert; it's an opportunity to celebrate comfort and togetherness—an invitation to gather and share in the simple pleasures of a homemade treat crafted with love and warmth.

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12 Servings

Ingredients

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Cake:

• 2 and 1/2 c 313 grams all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp EACH ground ginger & allspice
• 1 c 240ml vegetable oil
• 1 c 200 grams granulated sugar
• 1/2 c 100 grams packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 c 180 grams unsweetened applesauce
• 4 large eggs at room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp. 30ml orange juice
• 3 c 360 grams peeled chopped apples (1/2-inch chunks, about 2–3 large apples)

Optional: Brown Sugar Glaze:

• 1/4 c 4 tbsp.; 56 grams unsalted butter
• 1 c 200 grams packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 c 120ml heavy cream
• small pinch of salt
• 1/2 c 60 grams confectioner’s sugar, sifted

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a baking pan measuring 9x13 inches.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl mix together 2 and 1/2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of allspice.
3. Whisk Together Wet Ingredients: In a bowl whisk together 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 cup of applesauce four eggs, one teaspoon vanilla extract and two tablespoons orange juice.
4. Pour the ingredients into the mixture and mix until just combined. Then gently fold in three cups of chopped apples.
5. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake, for approximately 45–50 minutes. After around thirty minutes have passed during baking time cover loosely with foil to prevent browning. To check if it's done insert a toothpick in the center which should come out clean.
6. Leave it to cool in the pan for thirty minutes.
7. Prepare Glaze (Optional): In a saucepan melt together one-fourth cup butter along, with one cup sugar. Add half a cup cream and a pinch of salt. Bring it to boil then let it simmer for one minute.
8. Take the mixture off the heat. Stir in half a cup of confectioner's sugar that has been sifted. Allow it to cool for 20 minutes before drizzling it over the cake.
9. You can savor the cake while it's still warm or let it come to room temperature. You have options to enjoy it as is, sprinkle some confectioner's sugar on top or add the glaze if you prefer.

Notes

For those who adore the comforting flavors of our Apple Cake but need or prefer a gluten-free option, fear not! Transforming this recipe into a gluten-free delight is wonderfully simple and equally delicious. The key swap is the flour: instead of regular all-purpose flour, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for one that's designed to be a direct substitute – these often contain a mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, and a binder like xanthan gum, ensuring your cake still rises beautifully and retains that tender, moist crumb we all love.

Remember, gluten-free baking is an art of balance. Each gluten-free flour blend behaves a bit differently, so the first attempt is your canvas to discover what works best for you. And don't forget to check that your baking powder, baking soda, and other additives are gluten-free too.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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