Apple Cake Recipe

This Apple Cake Recipe is a moist and tender recipe, which is made with Granny Smith apples and apple butter. It’s the perfect fall dessert, ready in about an hour.

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Apple Cake Recipe Ingredients

• Non-stick baking spray (with flour)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 small Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

How To Make Apple Cake

1. Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line the bottom of the pan with a circle of parchment paper.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, apple butter, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda to the bowl and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Fold in Apples and Nuts: Add the chopped apples and toasted pecans to the batter and use a rubber spatula to gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed.
4. Bake and Cool: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it in an even layer. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve: Dust the cooled cake lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.

Recipe Tips

• What are the best apples for this cake? Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor, which balances the sweetness of the cake, and their firm texture, which holds up well during baking. Other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn would also work well.
• Why use apple butter? Apple butter is a secret weapon for this cake! It adds an intense, concentrated apple flavor and contributes incredible moisture, ensuring the cake stays tender for days.
• How to prevent apples and nuts from sinking? To ensure your apples and pecans are evenly distributed throughout the cake, you can toss them in a tablespoon of the dry flour mixture before folding them into the wet batter. This light coating helps them stay suspended.
• Can I make this in a different pan? Yes. This recipe will also work in an 8-inch square pan. The baking time should be similar, but it’s always best to start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.

What To Serve With Apple Cake

This simple, rustic cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with:

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream or crème fraîche
• A scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream
• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce

How To Store Apple Cake

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cake will become even moister on the second day.
• Freeze: Let the cake cool completely. You can freeze the whole, un-dusted cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Apple Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Apple Cobbler Recipe
• Pork Roast with Apples and Onions Recipe
• Apple Almond Galette Recipe