Apple Special
A warm, comforting apple dessert featuring spiced sliced apples layered in a tender cake, perfect for fall gatherings and family dessert tables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix together peeled, cored, and sliced apples with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in 1/2 cup butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg and milk together.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into greased baking dish.
- Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
- Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter apple flavor, try using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or whole wheat flour. You can also add chopped walnuts or pecans for additional crunch. To enhance the spice, consider adding a little ginger or cloves to the apple mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. This Apple Special also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For a more indulgent experience, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve alongside a slice of Ed'S Bourbon Balls.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This keeps the cake moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Special contains roughly 674 calories, with 10g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just ensure that the fruits are firm enough to hold their shape when baked. Adjust the sugar and spices according to the sweetness and flavor of the substituted fruit for the best results.
What can I do if my batter is too thick?
If the batter seems too thick, try adding a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. A slightly thicker batter is okay, but it should still spread easily in the baking dish.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).