There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic apple cake. The aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the house, the rich, buttery taste, and the satisfying texture make this dessert a timeless favorite. The Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake recipe brings together the essence of tradition and the joy of baking. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of making this delightful cake, explore its ingredients, and offer tips for perfecting your baking technique.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light brown sugar used)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups peeled, chopped apples (approximately ½ inch pieces, about 2 ½ medium-sized Honeycrisp apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (light brown sugar used)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar (sifted after measuring)
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare a 13×9 inch glass pan by spraying it with baking spray.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop the apples into approximately ½ inch cubes and set them aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a large wooden spoon or using an electric mixer. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
- Incorporate Apples and Nuts: Fold the chopped apples and nuts (if using) into the batter. The batter will be thick, so mix carefully to ensure even distribution.
- Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with a piece of foil. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs or clean, but no raw batter.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, place the cake on a wire rack to cool for about 20 minutes before adding the glaze.
For the Glaze:
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves.
- Boil the Mixture: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the milk. Allow the mixture to come to a soft boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 30 seconds. The mixture will foam up.
- Add Confectioner’s Sugar: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the sifted confectioner’s sugar. Mix well until smooth. If any lumps remain, strain the mixture to remove them.
- Glaze the Cake: Quickly pour the glaze over the slightly cooled cake and spread it evenly. If the glaze thickens too much before pouring, reheat it in the microwave for about 15 seconds and stir to thin it out.
Notes and Storage
- Optional Glaze: The glaze can be omitted for a less sweet cake, although the boiled brown sugar glaze adds a deep, rich flavor.
- Storage: Store the cake at room temperature, covered well, for several hours. After that, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Serving Suggestions: The cake can be eaten chilled or at room temperature but is best served warmed. If cold, microwave slices for about 15 seconds before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 421 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg
- Sodium: 239 mg
- Potassium: 135 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 43 g
- Vitamin A: 446 IU
- Vitamin C: 1 mg
- Calcium: 45 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
The Charm of Fresh Apple Cake
The Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake captures the essence of home baking with its rustic charm and wholesome ingredients. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nostalgic reminder of simpler times when homemade desserts were a staple at family gatherings.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Apples
The apples are the star of this cake, providing natural sweetness and moisture. Honeycrisp apples, with their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, work exceptionally well in this recipe. The chunks of apple create pockets of juicy goodness throughout the cake.
Brown Sugar
Using brown sugar instead of all granulated sugar adds a caramel-like depth to the cake and the glaze. The molasses in the brown sugar enhances the flavor, making the cake richer and more flavorful.
Spices
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring a warm spiciness that complements the apples beautifully. These spices are essential for creating the classic apple cake flavor profile.
Butter and Oil
The combination of butter and vegetable oil ensures that the cake remains moist and tender. Butter adds richness, while oil keeps the cake soft even after refrigeration.
Baking Tips for Success
- Measure Accurately: Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can make the cake dense, while too much sugar can make it overly sweet.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps to create a smooth batter that mixes evenly.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Glazing Tips: Work quickly when adding the glaze, as it thickens rapidly. If it becomes too thick, a brief stint in the microwave will help to loosen it.
Variations and Additions
- Nuts: Adding walnuts or pecans introduces a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cake. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Spiced Glaze: For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Instead of the traditional glaze, try drizzling caramel sauce over the cake for a decadent treat.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cake.
- Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream provides a light, airy complement to the dense cake.
- Hot Beverages: Serve the cake with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or apple cider for a cozy dessert experience.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
While the Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake is a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation, it does have some nutritional benefits:
- Apples: Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples contribute to overall health and well-being.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion.
- Nuts: If included, walnuts and pecans add healthy fats, protein, and additional fiber to the cake.
Conclusion
The Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia, a reminder of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. With its perfect blend of sweet apples, warm spices, and rich glaze, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a sweet treat with your morning coffee, this cake delivers comfort and joy in every bite. Happy baking!
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Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake: A Nostalgic Delight
- Total Time: 55minutes
Description
Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake is a delightful, moist, and flavorful dessert that brings back memories of traditional home baking. Made with fresh apples and a blend of warm spices, this cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a taste of nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (I used light brown sugar)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups peeled, chopped apples (Chop into approximately ½ inch sized pieces. I used about 2 ½ medium sized honeycrisp apples.)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (I used light brown sugar)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar (sifted after measuring)
Instructions
For the cake:
-
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 13×9 inch glass pan with baking spray.
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Peel and chop the apples into about ½ inch cubes. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter, oil, sugars, eggs and extract. Whisk well.
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Add in the dry ingredients (not the apples yet) to the liquid ingredients and mix with a large wooden spoon or an electric mixer. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
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The batter will be thick, but do not add any extra liquid.
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Stir in the chopped apples and nuts, then mix with a wooden spoon.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake at 325 degrees for about 35-40 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, lay a piece of foil over it. The cake is fully baked with a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs on it or clean, but no raw batter.
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Once baked, set on a wire rack to cool for about 20 minutes while you make the glaze.
For the glaze:
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Add the butter and brown sugar to a medium sized sauce pan and melt over medium heat. Stir often until the sugar melts and is mostly dissolved. This will take a few minutes.
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Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the milk, then let the mixture come to a soft boil. Let it boil for 30 seconds. Make sure to contantly stir. The mixture will foam up.
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Take the mixture off the heat source and add confectioner’s sugar and mix well. Work quickly as the mixture will begin to thicken up. If there are confectioner sugar clumps, pour the mixture through a strainer to remove them. Work fast so the mixture doesn’t thicken too much for you to pour onto the cake. Once the confectioner’s sugar is mixed in well, immediately pour the glaze over the cake and spread evenly.
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(If the glaze thickens up too much before you can pour it over the cake, heat it in the microwave for about 15 seconds at a time and stir to thin out he consistency a bit.)
Notes
This cake can be stored at room temperature, covered well, for several hours. After that, it should be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
This cake can be eaten chilled, or at room temperature, but is best served warmed. If cold, add slices to a plate and microwave for about 15 seconds or so
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 35minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 421kcal
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Protein: 5g