Southern Apple Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful apple cake with crunchy walnuts, perfect for fall gatherings or everyday desserts. Its rich apple and nut flavors are complemented by a tender crumb, making it a comforting treat suitable for family dinners or holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups chopped apples
  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, eggs, and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add vegetable oil and mix well.
  3. Gradually incorporate the flour, baking soda, and vanilla into the mixture.
  4. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
  5. Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister cake, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples. If you don't have walnuts, pecans make an excellent substitute. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, and you can add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. This cake is also delicious topped with a cream cheese frosting, similar to what you’d find in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for dessert or as a sweet breakfast treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent experience. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and it also complements well with a side of Cranberry Orange Muffins for a delightful brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Southern Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern Apple Cake contains roughly 1617 calories, with 21g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1626mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).

1617 kcal 81% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.1g 42% DV
Total Fat 32.3g 41% DV
Carbs 216g 79% DV
Fiber 13.6g 48% DV
Sugar 32.3g 65% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1625.5mg 71% DV
Potassium 1762.7mg 38% DV
Cholesterol 318.5mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 96.4mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 122.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 392.3mg 30% DV
Iron 6.4mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with pecans or even omit nuts altogether if preferred. Both options will still yield a delicious cake. Just remember that pecans will provide a similar flavor and texture, making them a great alternative.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works best for balancing flavors. Using a variety of apples adds depth to the cake, ensuring it’s both moist and flavorful.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

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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