This recipe makes a soft apple cake with warm spices. It uses fresh apples for natural taste. Many bakers enjoy it in fall. Research shows people seek easy steps and tips on apples.
Key Points
- Fresh apples add moisture without extra work.
- Basic ingredients keep it simple for beginners.
- Spices like cinnamon give cozy flavor.
- Some versions add nuts or glaze for variety.
- Evidence from home baking sites points to Granny Smith for tart balance.
Why This Recipe Works
Amish recipes focus on plain ingredients. This cake bakes in one pan. It stays moist for days. Users often ask about history. Amish baking comes from farm life with apples in season.
Ingredients
You need these for the cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 cups chopped apples (peeled)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For a basic glaze (optional):
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
How to Bake It
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Beat eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Add dry mix to wet mix. Stir until blended.
- Fold in apples and nuts.
- Spread in pan.
- Bake 40 to 50 minutes. Test with toothpick.
- Cool in pan.
For glaze: Boil sugar, butter, and milk for 2 minutes. Add vanilla. Pour over warm cake.
Best Apples to Use
Choose tart apples. Granny Smith works well. They hold shape. Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Peel and chop fine. This prevents soggy spots.
Tips for Success
- Mix dry items first to avoid lumps.
- Use room temperature eggs for better blend.
- If batter seems thick, add a splash of water.
- Test doneness early to avoid dry cake.
- Common question: Can I skip nuts? Yes, for nut-free version.
| Apple Type | Taste | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Tart | Balance sweet batter |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet-tart | Extra juice |
| Gala | Mild sweet | Soft texture |
Amish communities value fresh produce. Apples grow well in their areas. This cake reflects that tradition. It pairs with coffee or tea. Some add cream cheese for a twist.
Bakers often search for moist results. Oil helps with that. Sugar types matter too. White sugar for light crumb. Brown for deeper taste.
Users ask about freezing. Wrap tight and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
Variations include bundt pan for fancy look. Bake longer, about 60 minutes. Or add carrots for subtle change.
Serve warm. Top with ice cream if desired. No need for heavy frost.
Store in airtight box. Keeps at room temp 2 days. Fridge for a week.
Final Thoughts
This cake brings comfort with each bite. Try it for family meals. It uses what you have at home.