European Apple Cake
A moist European apple cake featuring tender sliced apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting dessert with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 10-inch tube pan.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced apples, cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of sugar; set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and orange juice to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the top.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter or a handful of raisins or walnuts. If you don’t have Cortland apples, any tart cooking apple will work well. You can also substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it might vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This European Apple Cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more festive touch, try serving it alongside Irish Caraway Raisin Bread for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of European Apple Cake contains roughly 487 calories, with 6g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1099mg per serving (48% 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 a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. Just make sure they are firm and not overly sweet, as you want the tartness to balance the sugar in the cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Be careful not to overbake, as it can become dry.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.
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).