Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful apple cake with warm spices and nutty crunch, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert, pairing wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Mix the sugar, margarine, and egg until well combined.
- Add the cake flour, soda, salt, allspice, and cinnamon; mix thoroughly.
- Fold in the chopped apples and chopped nut meats until evenly distributed.
- Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine and adding a splash of vanilla extract. If you prefer a different spice profile, nutmeg can be a good substitute for allspice. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples for added flavor complexity. Ensure the apples are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Cake is delightful served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Mashed Potatoes And Turnips for a comforting meal. Consider serving it alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Cake contains roughly 280 calories, with 6g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% 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 different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, can enhance the flavor of the cake. Just ensure you chop them into even pieces for consistent baking.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture. The baking time may remain the same, but keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Alternatively, bake the cake ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.
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).