Chopped Apple Spice Cake
A moist, spiced apple cake with crunchy pecans, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons, topped with whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped apples ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- whipped cream topping ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar; beat well.
- Set aside the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the oil-egg-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
- The mixture will seem very stiff; add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Fold in chopped apples and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes.
- Serve topped with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. For a lighter cake, you can replace half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender crumb.
Serving Suggestions
This Chopped Apple Spice Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a festive touch, serve it alongside Easy Custard Pudding for a delightful dessert spread. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. This cake also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chopped Apple Spice Cake contains roughly 349 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 857mg per serving (37% 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 nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a rich flavor, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or even pumpkin seeds if you prefer a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
What type of apples are best for this cake?
For the best results, use a combination of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Fuji. This balance will provide a nice depth of flavor. Avoid very soft apples like McIntosh, as they may break down too much during baking.
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. Remember that the baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it as it approaches the end of the baking time.
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).