Apple Cake
Apple Cake balances sweetness, structure, and texture for a dessert that slices or scoops cleanly.
About This Recipe
Apple Cake needs the right balance of sweetness, structure, and cooling time.
Mix carefully and let it cool or set fully before serving.
Ingredients
- ✓1-3/4 cups sugar
- ✓1 cup canola oil
- ✓3 large eggs
- ✓1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ✓2 cups all-purpose flour
- ✓1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- ✓1 teaspoon salt
- ✓1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ✓1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- ✓2 cups finely chopped peeled tart apples
- ✓1 cup chopped walnuts
- ✓1-1/4 cups whipped topping
Ingredient Notes
- Flour or structure: Measure carefully so the dessert sets with the right texture.
- Sugar: Sugar affects both sweetness and browning.
- Fat: Butter, oil, or cream adds richness and tenderness.
- Cooling time: Let the dessert cool before slicing or storing.
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the sugar, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the sugar mixture until blended.
- 2
Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chopped apples and walnuts until they’re evenly dispersed.
- 3
Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish and pour the batter into the pan. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool the cake on a wire rack at room temperature, and serve your apple cake slices with the whipped topping.
Katy’s Kitchen Tips
- Measure carefully for the best texture.
- Do not overmix once the structure is formed.
- Use the pan size listed by the method.
- Cool before slicing, frosting, or storing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate finish: Add chocolate chips, cocoa, or shaved chocolate.
- Nutty version: Add toasted nuts if they fit the dessert.
- Fruit option: Serve with berries, banana, or citrus zest.
- Salted finish: Add a small pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
What to Serve With Apple Cake
Serve Apple Cake with coffee, tea, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a scoop of ice cream.
Storage and Reheating
Store covered in the refrigerator if the dessert is creamy or contains dairy.
Keep tightly wrapped so it does not dry out or absorb odors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing: Too much mixing can make cakes, cookies, or fillings heavy.
- Wrong pan size: A different pan changes thickness and timing.
- Slicing hot: Many desserts need cooling time to set.
- Loose storage: Uncovered desserts dry out quickly.
FAQ
Can I make Apple Cake ahead?
Yes. Most desserts benefit from cooling or chilling time.
How should I store it?
Keep it tightly covered according to whether it is frozen, chilled, or room temperature.
Can I change the flavor?
Yes. Add compatible fruit, chocolate, nuts, spices, or extracts.
Why is the texture off?
Heat level, mixing, chilling time, or measurement changes can affect texture.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 278 calories
- Carbohydrates: 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars
- Cholesterol: 32mg cholesterol
- Fiber: 1g fiber)
- Protein: 4g protein.
- Sodium: 169mg sodium
- Fat: 16g fat (3g saturated fat)