Old Time Yankee Apple Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A nostalgic apple cake featuring tart, flavorful apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting dessert with a slice of lemon sauce.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
  • 4 large apples, peeled and thin sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter into the mixture, then add the egg and milk; mix well.
  4. Pour the batter into an 8-inch pan and cover the top with rows of peeled, thin-sliced apples.
  5. Mix together sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  7. Serve hot with Lemon Sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you don’t have butter, vegetable oil can be used as a substitute. Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the apples. To make it even more decadent, add a handful of nuts or raisins to the batter. This cake is reminiscent of American recipes that celebrate seasonal fruits.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Old Time Yankee Apple Cake warm, drizzled with a homemade Lemon Sauce for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Apple Salad (Waldorf Salad With Cheese) for a delightful meal. Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. For a crisper texture, warm individual pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Time Yankee Apple Cake contains roughly 541 calories, with 8g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (37% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 701mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

541 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 14.2g 18% DV
Carbs 96.4g 35% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 26.9g 54% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 700.5mg 30% DV
Potassium 493.1mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 169.2mg 56% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 131.8mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 19.6mg 22% DV
Vitamin D 0.9mcg 4% DV
Calcium 484.4mg 37% DV
Iron 4.8mg 27% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
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 other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile. However, adjust the sugar and cinnamon according to the sweetness of the fruit used.

What type of apples are best for this cake?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart apples work best for this recipe. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the cake's sweetness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and assemble the cake a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This can enhance the flavors, making it even more delicious.

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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