Best Apple Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful apple cake featuring tender chopped apples and warm spices, perfect for autumn gatherings or dessert. Its rich aroma and balanced sweetness make it a delightful treat for family and friends, offering a comforting taste of homemade baking with every slice.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups sifted flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups Mazola oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 cups chopped apples
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Beat together sugar, Mazola oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, mixing well.
  4. Fold in chopped apples and chopped nuts.
  5. Pour batter into a greased jelly roll pan or 9 x 13-inch pan.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moist and flavorful cake, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. If you're out of Mazola oil, canola or vegetable oil can be used as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter. Ensure your apples are chopped evenly for consistent baking. If you want to add more texture, try incorporating raisins or swapping half of the flour for whole wheat flour.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for afternoon tea or as a dessert at gatherings. Serve it warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with coffee, making it a great choice for brunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a lighter dish, like a salad, or try it as a sweet ending to a cozy dinner. Browse more American recipes for additional inspiration.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep the cake longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just heated through. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Best Apple Cake contains roughly 777 calories, with 5g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 870mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

777 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 62.7g 80% DV
Carbs 50.6g 18% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 16.1g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 870.3mg 38% DV
Potassium 201.5mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 7.9mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 23.8mg 26% DV
Calcium 130.2mg 10% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of oil instead of Mazola oil?

Yes, you can substitute Mazola oil with canola oil, vegetable oil, or even melted coconut oil. Each will work well, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may slightly change. Stick to neutral oils for the best results.

What type of apples are best for this cake?

A mix of sweet and tart apples works best for balance. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are excellent choices. This combination will ensure your cake has a delightful flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the apple cake?

Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving or reheating.

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).

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