Governor'S Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful apple cake combining tart Granny Smith apples, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- Pinch salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan.
- Combine peeled and chopped apples, chopped walnuts, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil.
- Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the apple mixture, stirring only until blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until lightly browned and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting brown sugar for half of the white sugar. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon and allspice. Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
Serving Suggestions
This Governor's Apple Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10 minutes, or use a microwave for short bursts to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Governor'S Apple Cake contains roughly 429 calories, with 7g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg per serving (43% 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 Honeycrisp or Fuji, but Granny Smith apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness. Just remember that sweeter apples may require a slight reduction in sugar.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure the cake has the right texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will help the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious when served.
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).