Aunt Katie'S Favorite Apple Cake
A moist, flavorful apple cake featuring cinnamon and nuts or raisins, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea, combining tender apples with a sweet, spiced crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider using Granny Smith apples, which add a nice tartness. You can substitute half of the oil with applesauce for a lighter version. If you prefer a nut-free option, replace the nuts with an extra cup of raisins or omit them entirely. For added texture, try mixing in a handful of oats, similar to what's found in Dakota Tradition Family Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
This apple cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or pairing it with Turnip And Potato Soup for a cozy autumn gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, where it will last for about a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Katie'S Favorite Apple Cake contains roughly 463 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 958mg per serving (42% 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 different types of apples in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a mix of apples for added flavor complexity. While Granny Smith provides tartness, a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji can balance the cake's sweetness. Just ensure you have enough chopped apples to meet the 4 cups required.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend's specifications for best results, as some may require additional binding agents like xanthan gum.
How can I add more spices to this cake?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice in addition to the cinnamon. You could also incorporate a tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh twist that complements the apple flavor beautifully.
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).