Virginia Apple Cake
A moist, flavorful apple cake with warm spices and crunchy nuts, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family desserts that highlight Virginia apples' sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix oil with sugar in an electric mixer until well mixed.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Add vanilla and mix well. Slowly add the sifted flour mixture to the batter.
- Stir in the chopped Virginia apples, chopped pecans or black walnuts, and raisins.
- Pour the batter into a tube pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, use tart Virginia apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. If you're out of salad oil, melted coconut oil or vegetable oil can be good substitutes. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans. To add a twist, consider incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Virginia Apple Cake warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Eleanor's Hot Fudge for a decadent dessert experience. Freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai also complements this cake well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Virginia 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, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia Apple Cake contains roughly 512 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1394mg per serving (61% 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 other types of apples in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any variety of apples you prefer, such as Fuji or Gala. Just ensure they're firm and not overly sweet to balance the sugar in the recipe.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for better texture.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
While you can reduce the sugar slightly, be cautious as it may affect the cake's moisture and texture. A reduction of 1/2 cup is often manageable, but consider using unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture.
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).