Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (2024)

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Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (1)

Everybody loves a Fresh Apple Cake loaded with a generous helping of cinnamon, nuts and apples.

Fresh apple cake has a fantastic moist and tender texture, and a lightly crisp exterior. This heirloom recipe that’s been a family favorite for generations and isa delicious autumn treat!

I feel like I’ve been looking for the perfect Apple Bundt Cake recipe for generations myself. I’ve tried so many recipes over the years that I’ve lost count. I even tried developing my own apple Bundt cake recipe, but with no luck.

I’m thrilled to announce that the search is now over because I’ve finally found the best Fresh Apple Cake recipe ever! Last weekend we took a whirlwind trip to my visit my youngest brother Tom and his beautiful, talented wife Nanon in Columbus Ohio. When we arrived, Tom and Nanon had appetizers ready, dinner in the oven and this fantastic Fresh Apple Cake cooling on the countertop.

The cake already looked delicious, but then she slathered on the silky cream cheese icing making it irresistible.

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (2)

This apple cake recipe has been passed down for generations.

Nanon got this recipe from her mother, who she lost at a very young age. The cake is simple and absolutely delicious and was an instant favorite with my husband too.

Nanon has been making this cake for years and it’s easy to see why. Using vegetable oil instead of butter makes the cake’s exterior slightly crisp and the interior texture perfectly moist. Don’t even think of skipping the cream cheese icing – it’s so good!

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (3)

Fresh Apple Cake keeps in the refrigerator for many days, and even travels well too.

Tom and Nanon sent us on our way with the leftover cake, and I can attest that it makes terrific road food. Ever so thoughtful, Nanon even packed some napkins and forks in our little goodie bag. I guess she knows us well!

This cake didn’t stand a chance of making it all the way home. Thank you Nanon for your thoughtfulness, and especially for letting me share this amazing recipe with our readers!

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (4)

If you have three extra apples looking for a forever home, this is it!

Thanks for PINNING!

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (5)

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (6)

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Yield: 12 slices

Course: Cake, Dessert

Author: Tricia

Pin RecipePrint RecipeRate Recipe

5 from 5 votes

This easy cake is a delicious Autumn treat! Loaded with cinnamon, nuts and apples, the texture is tender and moist, and the exterior is lightly crisp. A heirloom recipe that's been a family favorite for generations.

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 3 cups chopped peeled apples (about 3 medium-large apples)

For the icing:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional for thinning if needed)

Instructions

To prepare the cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a Bundt pan and set aside.

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Add the eggs, oil and vanilla and beat on low with an electric mixer, just until blended. Using a spatula, fold in the nuts and apples.

  • Scoop the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F for 70 - 90 minutes or until a wooden skewer comes out with no wet batter. A few moist crumbs is fine. Baking times may vary depending on the kind of apples used.

  • Cool the cake completely before icing.

To prepare the icing:

  • In a small mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, butter, powered sugar and vanilla. Beat on low with an electric mixer. Add a little milk to thin, if needed, or more powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a glaze instead of thick icing, reduce the powdered sugar to 1 cup.

Recipe Notes

  • Adapted from a recipe provided by my sister-in-law, Nanon Morrison
  • I used a combination of apples I had on hand. One Granny Smith and two Fuji. I like apples that don't completely melt when cooked, and also prefer something tart.
  • I used walnuts in this recipe but feel free to use pecans if you prefer.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 683kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

Here are a few more apple recipes you might enjoy:

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (7)

Irish Apple Crumble Cake ~ made with fresh apples, plenty of cinnamon, and a sweet crumble top. This rustic and moist cake is delightful drizzled with our creamyApple Brandy Sauce!

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (8)

Apple Cinnamon Scones ~light and fluffy with a crispy sweet crust, large chunks of apple and delicious cinnamon chips!

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What apples are best for cake? ›

Bon Appetit says the best apples for baking are Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Mutsu, Winesap, Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) but they also use Granny Smith often. They've listed several apples that have already been mentioned that are crisp and either sweet or tart.

Can you use eating apples instead of cooking apples in a cake? ›

You can use any eating apples that are in season, or any that you have to hand, but my favourites are Cox's Orange Pippins and Braeburn apples for flavour.

Why does my apple cake fall apart? ›

Why Did My Apple Cake Fall Apart? There are two main reasons why an apple cake would fall apart: (1) it was simply too warm when you were trying to cut and serve it or (2) you used too many/the wrong kind of apple.

What is bakery apple cake made of? ›

Additional information
WeightN/A
Choose Variants1 kg, 500 g
IngredientsApple Without Peel, Baking Soda, Egg, Ground Cinnamon, Refined Oil, Refined wheat flour, Salt, Sugar, Vanilla Extract
Best Before5 days from the date of packing (when stored in an airtight container)
Manufactured byShreem Sweets and Bakery

What 4 apples are best used for baking? ›

For the best pies, crisps, and other baked treats, apples need to be firm enough to hold their own during the cooking process. We call these apples “baking apples” and to namedrop, they include Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Haralson, and Newtown Pippin.

Is a Honeycrisp apple good for baking? ›

Honeycrisp. One of the sweetest apples around, this Midwestern favorite is good for anything—including baking. It boasts a distinctive juicy crispness and is firm enough that it won't cook down much. It complements just about any other apple variety to make a stellar pie.

Should you peel apples before baking? ›

peel your apples. While the debate on whether or not to peel your apples seems never-ending, it really comes down to a matter of personal choice. Unpeeled apples will add a bit of color and texture to your pie, but they may prevent the apples from melding together when baked.

How do you keep apples from sinking in a cake? ›

The best way to avoid sinking fruit is to toss the fruit in a couple of tablespoons of the flour (just use some from the measured amount for the recipe) to coat it lightly. Once added to the cake mixture the flour coating will thicken the batter immediately surrounding the fruit and help suspend the fruit.

Why is my fruitcake dry and crumbly? ›

Cakes crumble because they've dried out too much. From years of baking, I know that dry cakes happen for one of two reasons; using too much of your dry ingredients or over-baking your cake.

Why is my apple cake raw in the middle? ›

The most common yet overlooked reasons why do cakes sink in the middle may include:
  1. Inaccurate Oven Temperature. Oven temperature can alone ruin your cake! ...
  2. Old and Excessive Baking Powder/Soda. ...
  3. Under-cooked Cake Layers. ...
  4. Incorrect Measurements. ...
  5. Overbeating the Batter. ...
  6. Too little or too much Moisture.
Sep 21, 2023

How do you moisten a dry apple cake? ›

Yes, you can add water to make a dry cake moist. One way to do this is to brush the cake with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water. Another way is to poke holes in the cake and pour a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk over it.

What apples are best for baking or canning? ›

The best varieties for canning apples are crisp, not mealy, types. Some of the best apples for canning include Fuji, Braeburn, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Jazz, Honeycrisp, and Cortland.

Which apples are best to eat directly and not bake? ›

Hawaiian apples are crisp, firm, and very sweet. They are better for eating than for baking, and they are perfect for those who like sweet, rather than tart, apples.

What apples are good for baking and applesauce? ›

The Best Apples for Applesauce
  • Cortland.
  • Golden Delicious.
  • Gala.
  • McIntosh.
  • Granny Smith.
Nov 18, 2022

Will an apple keep a cake moist? ›

The idea behind this technique is the apple will release its moisture and your brownies, cakes, and other baked goods will absorb it, keeping them moist much longer than they would be without it. However, do make sure you inspect the apple daily to ensure it isn't getting mushy.

References

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