Washington Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful apple cake infused with cinnamon and nuts, featuring tender sliced apples layered over a buttery batter. Perfect for autumn gatherings, dessert tables, or a cozy treat with coffee, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, with a rich cream cheese frosting topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- With a mixer, beat eggs until light.
- Combine sugar and oil, then add to eggs and mix.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture with vanilla and mix.
- Stir in chopped nuts.
- Spread sliced apples in a buttered 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Pour batter over apples, spreading to cover.
- Bake for 1 hour. Cool before frosting.
- Ice with cream cheese frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples. If you're short on time, you can use pre-sliced apples, though fresh ones yield better flavor. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. If you're nut-free, feel free to omit the nuts or replace them with seeds for added crunch. This cake also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Washington Apple Cake warm or at room temperature, topped with cream cheese frosting for a delightful finish. It makes an excellent dessert for gatherings or as a comforting treat with coffee. Consider pairing it with a light whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake is also a wonderful addition to brunch alongside dishes like Cucumber Buns or Easter Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a slightly crispy texture, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Washington Apple Cake contains roughly 385 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 817mg per serving (36% 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 cake?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works particularly well to balance flavors. Experimenting with different varieties can enhance the cake's depth and complexity.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can substitute some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can increase the fiber content while still maintaining a delicious texture.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
If you're looking for an alternative, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk can work well. You could also top the cake with whipped cream or a dairy-free frosting if you prefer a lighter option.
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).