Red Apple Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful apple cake packed with dates, cherries, and nuts, perfect for dessert or tea time and suited for all apple lovers seeking a hearty treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup nuts, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 2 cups apples, unpeeled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, quartered

Instructions

  1. Cream together the oil and egg.
  2. Add chopped apples to the mixture.
  3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  4. Fold in the chopped dates, quartered maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts.
  5. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 1/2 hours until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don't have maraschino cherries, dried cherries or raisins can be a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure your apples are tart for a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Red Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold as a delightful snack.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Red Apple Cake contains roughly 722 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1575mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).

722 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 49.2g 63% DV
Carbs 69.4g 25% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 25.1g 50% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1575.4mg 68% DV
Potassium 482mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 77.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 23.5mg 26% DV
Calcium 90.9mg 7% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Contains 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 nuts in this cake?

Absolutely! While chopped walnuts and pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with almonds or macadamia nuts for a unique flavor. Just ensure they are chopped to avoid large chunks in the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake keeps well, making it a great option for meal prep. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Is there a way to make this cake healthier?

You can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour will add fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier choice.

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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