Kerk'S Grandma'S Apple Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A comforting apple cake with tender slices of apple and a crumbly topping, perfect for dessert or teatime gatherings, combining sweet, tart, and buttery flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon shortening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 to 4 apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar and shortening, then add the egg, vanilla, milk, flour, salt, and baking powder; stir until well combined.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch round cake pan.
  3. Press the sliced apples into the batter evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the topping ingredients (sugar, flour, and shortening) until crumbly.
  5. Sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apple slices.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer a different flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter. You can also use melted butter instead of shortening for a richer taste. For a twist, mix in some chopped nuts or raisins with the apples. This cake is reminiscent of traditional American recipes, making it a comforting dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This apple cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Serve it warm for a comforting dessert experience. It also makes a great breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kerk'S Grandma'S Apple Cake contains roughly 700 calories, with 8g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1205mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

700 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.1g 16% DV
Total Fat 42g 54% DV
Carbs 71.8g 26% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 8.3g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1205.4mg 52% DV
Potassium 207.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 129.5mg 43% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 15.4mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 212mg 16% DV
Iron 3.7mg 20% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 recipe?

Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works wonderfully, providing a nice balance of flavors. Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties to customize the taste of the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature. If you need to make it even earlier, you can freeze the unbaked batter for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

A common substitute for one egg is a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana. You can also use a commercial egg replacer, following the package instructions. This is especially useful if you're looking for vegetarian recipes.

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).

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