Mom'S French Apple Cake
A moist, flavorful apple cake with warm spices and crunchy nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea, offering a balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt) together.
- Add apples to the dry mixture and stir gently.
- Add the dry mixture to the egg mixture and blend well.
- Add chopped nuts to the batter.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan.
- Bake at 375°F for approximately 1 hour until the cake is crusty and shiny when done.
- Cool in the pan before serving.
- Serve with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using applesauce as a partial substitute for vegetable oil. If you prefer a different flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla. To enhance the cake's flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart varieties. Make sure to chop the nuts finely for an even distribution.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but elevates with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Egg Nog during the holidays. For a festive touch, serve slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Consider enjoying it alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S French Apple Cake contains roughly 839 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1126mg per serving (49% 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 nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans, or even omit nuts completely if you prefer a nut-free version. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture of the cake.
What type of apples work best for this cake?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for this recipe, as they add a nice flavor balance. You can also mix sweet and tart apples for added complexity in taste.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake keeps well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it properly in an airtight container. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together over time!
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).