Fresh Apple Cake Recipe: A Taste of Home

Fresh Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that embodies the cozy, comforting flavors of fall. It’s a wonderful way to make use of the bountiful apple harvest and infuse your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh apples with a hint of spice for a moist and flavorful treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced (use a sweet variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil and sugar. Mix until well blended.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Nuts

1. Gently fold the diced fresh apples and, if desired, the chopped nuts into the batter.

Step 5: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is lightly browned.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the Fresh Apple Cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Once cooled, you can serve it as is or dust it with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Notes:

• For extra texture and flavor, consider adding a cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
• You can adjust the level of spice to your liking. Increase the ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger flavor.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Fresh Apple Cake is a delightful way to savor the flavors of fresh apples and warm spices. With its moist texture and sweet apple chunks, it’s a dessert that embodies the essence of the season. Enjoy it as a family treat, a dessert for gatherings, or a special indulgence just for yourself.