Granny'S Apple Cake
A moist, spiced apple cake featuring fresh Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea lovers seeking warm, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and diced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Combine flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and flour mixture at low speed; mix well.
- Stir in diced apples and chopped pecans.
- Spoon batter into the greased pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Garnish with apple slices before serving, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of allspice or cloves to the spice mix. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can serve as tasty substitutes. For a moister cake, try using a mix of Granny Smith and another sweet apple variety. Ensure the apples are diced evenly to promote even baking.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added treat. Serve it with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. It also makes a great dessert for gatherings, complementing other American recipes like Sonny'S Pecan Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or enjoy it cold as a delicious snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Apple Cake contains roughly 575 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 913mg per serving (40% 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 other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, while Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness. Just be cautious with softer apples, as they may break down too much during baking.
What if I want to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free.
How can I enhance the flavor of this apple cake?
Consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or zest to the batter for a bright pop of flavor. A drizzle of caramel sauce over the finished cake can also elevate its taste, making it a decadent dessert option.
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).