Old-Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake

Photo byGwen Wren using Canva

This classic apple cake is wonderfully moist and packed with fresh apple flavor. It’s perfect on its own, without any need for glaze or frosting (unless you just want it). The spices and natural sweetness of the apples shine through, making it a delightful treat for any time of the day.

Old-Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 4 medium apples; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
2. • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
   • Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 9x13-inch baking pan.
3. Prepare the Batter:
4. • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
   • Fold in the diced apples, nuts, and raisins/currants (if using) until evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Cake:
6. • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
   • Bake in the preheated oven:
   • • Bundt Pan: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
     • 9x13-inch Pan: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely (if using a bundt pan) or cool directly in the pan if using a 9x13-inch pan.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
8. • Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. It's perfect on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.