Baked Apple Cake
A warm, comforting apple cake featuring tart apples, coconut topping, and a tender crumb. The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and coconut creates a delightful dessert perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons with friends. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it offers a classic fall flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the tart apples and place them in a greased 9-inch square baking dish.
- Sprinkle the apples with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- In a bowl, mix together the sifted flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Beat the oil and egg together in a separate small bowl.
- Add the egg and oil mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Spread the batter evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the coconut over the top of the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples to enhance the flavor profile. If you don't have coconut, try adding chopped nuts for a different texture. Ensure your apples are evenly sliced for uniform baking, and if you like a spicier cake, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter. This cake is perfect for using up extra apples, especially if you’re looking for easy American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This baked apple cake is delightful served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cake. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai or a hot apple cider, making it a perfect dessert for autumn gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the baked apple cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Apple Cake contains roughly 563 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 891mg per serving (39% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a combination of sweet and tart apples to create a balanced flavor. Popular choices include Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Experimenting with different varieties can add depth to your baked apple cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for proper texture. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels for any additives.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it's golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has moist batter on it, give it an additional 5 minutes and check again. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
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).