Favorite Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful apple cake featuring warm spices, raisins, and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings and breakfast treats with a tender crumb and delightful aroma.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. oleo or butter
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking soda ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped raw unpeeled apple ⓘ
- 1/2 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped walnuts or pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare an 8-inch square pan by greasing and flouring.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar and beat until well blended.
- Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.
- Combine all dry ingredients and sift together into the mixture.
- Beat until smooth and well blended. Mixture will be very stiff.
- Add apple, raisins, and nuts; beat well.
- Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. If you're out of raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dates work well. To enhance the spices, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier blending. For a unique flavor, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious apple cake warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It pairs beautifully with Frosty Strawberry Creme Pie for a delightful dessert spread. A cup of coffee or tea complements the cake perfectly, making it a great choice for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to retain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Apple Cake contains roughly 217 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1312mg per serving (57% 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 make this apple cake ahead of time?
Yes, this apple cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to serve it warm, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
For the best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake, and they hold their shape well during baking. Avoid overly soft apples, as they may turn mushy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious and enjoyable for those following gluten-free diets.
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).