Carolina Apple Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful apple cake featuring fresh diced apples and crunchy nuts, perfect for fall gatherings or tea time. Its tender crumb and sweet, fruity taste make it a crowd-pleaser for family dessert tables or casual get-togethers. Easy to prepare and wonderfully versatile.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 cups diced apples
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Mix oil, sugar, and beaten eggs together.
  2. Sift flour, soda, and salt together; add to the mixture.
  3. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Add vanilla, diced apples, and chopped nuts.
  5. Pour into a greased and floured tube cake pan.
  6. Bake for 1 hour at 350°F (175°C).

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister cake, consider using a mix of apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you need a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds. Ensure your apples are diced uniformly for even baking. To enhance flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients, reminiscent of flavors in Sour Cream Pecan Coffee Cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Carolina Apple Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for brunch or afternoon gatherings. For a festive touch, serve alongside Sherbet Pineapple-Orange to complement the apple flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Cool the cake completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Carolina Apple Cake contains roughly 631 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 759mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

631 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 34.3g 44% DV
Carbs 69g 25% DV
Fiber 1.9g 7% DV
Sugar 7.9g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 759.1mg 33% DV
Potassium 515.7mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 154.9mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 37.9mg 42% DV
Calcium 154.2mg 12% DV
Iron 1.5mg 9% 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 different types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! Mixing different apple varieties can enhance the flavor and texture of the cake. For example, combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter ones like Fuji or Honeycrisp creates a delightful balance. Just make sure to dice them uniformly for even cooking.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.

Can I freeze the Carolina Apple Cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake! Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Reheat slices in the microwave or enjoy it cold.

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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