Fresh Mountain Apple Cake
A moist, spiced apple cake featuring tender McIntosh apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for fall gatherings and enjoyed with a dusting of icing for added sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 cups granulated sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 3 cups McIntosh apples peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans optional ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat eggs in a beater until well combined.
- Add oil, sugar, and vanilla; mix well until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves) and add to the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Beat the mixture well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Add chopped apples and nuts (if using); stir gently to combine.
- Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer, you can use other apple varieties like Granny Smith for a tarter flavor. To enhance the spices, try adding a dash of cardamom or using freshly grated nutmeg. Make sure the apples are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving slices alongside Aunt Dorothy'S Scrumptious Carmelcorn for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Mountain Apple Cake contains roughly 679 calories, with 5g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1382mg per serving (60% 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 apples for this cake?
Absolutely! While McIntosh apples are recommended for their sweetness and moisture, you can experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for added sweetness. Just ensure that the apples are peeled and chopped into small pieces for even distribution in the batter.
Is it necessary to use nuts in this recipe?
Nuts are optional in this cake, so feel free to omit them if you prefer a nut-free version. Alternatively, you can substitute walnuts or pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture without the allergens. The cake will still be delicious without nuts!
How can I make this cake more festive for special occasions?
To make your Fresh Mountain Apple Cake more festive, consider adding a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also decorate the top with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Serving it with a scoop of ice cream or alongside Butternut Squash Praline Casserole can also enhance the celebration!
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).