Name: Delicious Southern Apple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups peeled and grated apples; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional); Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Looking for a cozy, old-fashioned dessert that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples? This Southern Apple Cake is a timeless favorite, perfect for those craving easy dessert ideas, quick fall baking recipes, or cozy breakfast treats. It’s incredibly moist thanks to fresh grated apples, warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and perfect for holiday tables or everyday indulgence. The delightful aroma that wafts through your home while this cake bakes will have everyone eagerly anticipating a slice. Whether you’re serving it as a quick breakfast, an easy dinner dessert, or a healthy-ish snack, this Southern classic is always a hit.

This cake offers an incredible combination of flavors and textures, making it the ideal choice for any occasion. The grated apples provide moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the crunchy nuts and optional raisins add a dimension of flavor that’s hard to resist. With its simple preparation and minimal cleanup, even novice bakers can achieve a perfect cake that impresses family and friends alike.

Not only does this Southern Apple Cake taste heavenly, but it’s also versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enjoy it dusted with powdered sugar, or savor it plain with a cup of coffee. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, you’re in for a treat that reflects the warmth and richness of Southern comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Apple Cake

Moist and Flavorful: The grated apples infuse every bite with sweetness and moisture, creating a cake that’s impossibly tender.
Warm Spices: The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile, making it perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward instructions and no special techniques required, anyone can whip this cake together in no time.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or dried fruit, to personalize the cake to your taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday dessert, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits any scenario.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start baking your Southern Apple Cake, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the batter once you finish mixing.

Gather a 9×13-inch baking pan, either greased or lined with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal. You will also need a medium mixing bowl for combining dry ingredients and a large bowl for the wet ingredients. Make sure to have a whisk for mixing and a spatula for folding in the apples and other ingredients gently. A box grater or food processor will make quick work of grating the apples, ensuring even moisture throughout the cake. Lastly, having measuring cups and spoons handy will streamline the process of adding the right amounts of each ingredient.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups peeled and grated apples
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepping the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray, or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step is essential to ensure your cake will not stick and will come out nicely shaped.

Step 2: Mixture of Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed, ensuring that the leavening agents are well dispersed. This process helps to achieve a uniform rise in your cake.

Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, blend the melted unsalted butter with the vegetable oil, combining thoroughly for a smooth mixture. Add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until the blend becomes creamy and consistent. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract, infusing a lovely aromatic note into your batter.

Step 4: Combining Apples

Fold in the grated apples gently using a spatula, allowing their moisture to integrate into the wet ingredients. This step enhances the cake’s flavor and keeps it moist while it bakes.

Step 5: Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients

Carefully add the previously combined dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently stir until just combined; be cautious not to over-mix, as this can lead to a denser texture in the finished cake.

Step 6: Incorporating Optional Ingredients

If you’re using nuts and raisins or dried cranberries, fold them in at this stage, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Their addition provides delightful crunch and chewy bites, adding character to the cake.

Step 7: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with the back of a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready!

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes. When it’s cool enough to handle, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Slice it into squares and serve warm or at room temperature, making it a delightful treat for any time of the day.

Variations

Protein: Consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon for a sweet-savory twist or adding protein-rich Greek yogurt on the side when serving.
Vegetables: For extra nutrition, try incorporating grated carrots or zucchini alongside the apples for a vegetable boost.
Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the dry ingredient mix for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

For the best flavor, let your Southern Apple Cake rest overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to become even more moist.
Using grated apples instead of chopped will ensure even moisture distribution, enhancing the cake’s overall texture.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a cream cheese glaze for a decadent finish and visually appealing presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful dessert.
Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Tips

Be sure to use freshly grated apples to ensure the best moisture content and flavor — they’re the star of this cake!
If you prefer not to use nuts, feel free to skip them altogether or replace them with seeds for a nut-free option.
For an added touch, consider adding a caramel drizzle over the top just after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 330
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this recipe. Choose ones that you enjoy or have on hand.

How should I store the cake?

This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What’s the best way to serve it?

This cake is delicious on its own, but serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze elevates the experience.

Conclusion

This Southern Apple Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy to your table. With every bite, you taste the essence of home and tradition, making it worthy of a spot on your recipe rotation. Encourage your friends and family to gather around and enjoy this cake together, creating lasting memories. Don’t hesitate to try out the variations and personalize it to fit your preferences. We hope you share your thoughts and experiences with making this cake in the comments below. Happy baking!