Prize Winning Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful apple cake featuring warm spices and crunchy pecans, perfect for autumn gatherings or family dessert tables. Its tender crumb and fruity punch make it a crowd-pleaser, combining the sweetness of apples with aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a classic homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and shortening together until well combined.
- Add eggs and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in chopped pecans and well-chopped raw apples.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. You can also use a mix of different apples for added complexity. If you want to make it a bit healthier, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure the apples are well-chopped for even distribution throughout the cake.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Chocolate Frosting for a decadent dessert. Consider serving it alongside a warm cup of spiced cider for a comforting treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which will keep it fresh for about a week. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Prize Winning Apple Cake contains roughly 630 calories, with 7g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1079mg per serving (47% 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 nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure they are chopped and lightly toasted for enhanced flavor. This flexibility allows you to customize the cake while still keeping the delightful texture.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld, making it a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
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).