Name: Delicious Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1¼ cups vegetable oil; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups fresh apples, roughly chopped (Honeycrisp or Gala recommended); 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

There’s something truly magical about family recipes passed down through generations. As a matter of fact, these treasured culinary heirlooms often carry more than just flavors—they transport us back to childhood memories and family gatherings. Without a doubt, Mamaw’s Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake stands as one of those extraordinary recipes that has stood the test of time. Above all, this isn’t just any apple cake; consequently, anyone who tries it understands why it has become a beloved Southern classic.

A Southern Treasure Worth Discovering

First and foremost, what makes this fresh apple cake recipe so special is its unique texture—a heavenly combination of pound cake, quick bread, and coffee cake all rolled into one magnificent creation. Meanwhile, the generous chunks of roughly chopped apples and nuts provide delightful surprises in every bite. Additionally, the hint of cinnamon and perfectly balanced sweetness elevate this cake to something truly extraordinary.

The cake’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior is certainly impressive, but equally noteworthy is the perfectly crackly crust that forms on top during baking. Initially discovered on a Wesson cooking oil label years ago, this recipe eventually found its way into Mamaw’s recipe collection and subsequently became a treasured family favorite.

Furthermore, this apple cake recipe embodies the essence of autumn, though in reality, it’s a welcome treat any time of year. Not only does it fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as it bakes, but it also creates an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia that’s impossible to resist.

Simple Ingredients That Create Magic

To begin with, the beauty of this best apple cake recipe lies partly in its straightforward ingredient list. You’ll need:

Vegetable oil (historically Wesson oil)
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work wonderfully)
Fresh apples

Speaking of apples, perhaps the most important element in this fresh apple cake is selecting the right varieties. Generally speaking, Honeycrisp and Gala apples are excellent choices due to their sweet-tart flavor profiles and firm texture. As a result of using these varieties, your cake will have the perfect balance of sweetness and apple flavor. Nonetheless, feel free to experiment with combinations of different apple varieties to create your own signature version.

Interestingly, many bakers choose not to peel the apples for this recipe. Although the peels soften during baking, they don’t completely disappear, thus adding delightful texture and color to the finished cake. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can certainly peel them first.

In essence, the recipe calls for three cups of chopped apples, but frankly, being generous with this measurement only improves the final result. In other words, when it comes to apples in this cake, more is definitely better!

A Foolproof Method Anyone Can Master

Despite its impressive results, this easy apple cake recipe comes together much like banana bread—mixing wet ingredients with dry ingredients before baking. Given these points, even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results.

To start with, combine the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl. Subsequently, beat until smooth using either a mixer or good old-fashioned elbow grease. In another bowl, meanwhile, whisk together the dry ingredients: baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour.

Next, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. At this stage, the batter will appear thicker and drier than typical cake batter—more reminiscent of cookie dough. For the best results, beat at low speed (or by hand) for approximately 200 strokes.

After that, gently fold in your roughly chopped apple pieces and nuts. Almost immediately, you’ll notice the apples beginning to release moisture into the batter, consequently making it wetter though still thick and somewhat lumpy. Nevertheless, this is exactly the consistency you’re aiming for.

Baking Your Masterpiece to Perfection

Once your batter is ready, therefore, it’s time to prepare your baking pan. For authentic results, use a Bundt or tube pan (9×3 inches works perfectly, though 8×3 or 10×3 will also do). To ensure easy removal, either line the bottom with wax paper or generously grease and flour the entire pan.

Afterward, pour the thick batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately one hour. Of course, baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and pan size—some bakers report perfect results at 55 minutes while others need a full 70 minutes.

Once baked, allow the cake to cool on a wire rack. Due to its density, using wax paper rather than parchment paper is traditionally recommended, since wax paper can better withstand the prolonged heat needed for such a heavy cake. Conversely, parchment paper might become brittle.

If you don’t have a Bundt or tube pan, you can alternatively use two loaf pans (baked at the same temperature and time) or a springform pan. In any case, be sure to remove any lining paper from the bottom of the cake once it’s unmolded.

Creative Variations to Make It Your Own

Despite the perfection of the original recipe, there’s always room for personal touches. For instance, while roughly chopped, unpeeled apples provide the traditional texture, you might prefer a different approach.

Moreover, some bakers experiment with the sugar, using a combination of white and brown sugar. Although this doesn’t significantly affect the baking chemistry or flavor, the white sugar contributes to that beautiful crusty top. On the other hand, reducing the sugar isn’t recommended below 1¾ cups (or at minimum 1½ cups) without using substitutes like Stevia or Splenda.

For cinnamon lovers, certainly feel free to increase the amount. Surprisingly, some versions of Mamaw’s original recipe didn’t include cinnamon at all! Meanwhile, don’t skimp on the salt—it enhances both the sweetness and the other flavors.

Besides these adjustments, creative bakers have successfully added ingredients like cranberries (about ½ cup), raisins, or dates (which might need soaking first). In the event that your cake top isn’t crispy enough, you might need to recalibrate your oven or mix the wet ingredients a bit longer. Alternatively, sprinkling turbinado sugar on top before baking creates an extra crunchy crust.

Serving, Storing, and Savoring

Without question, this fresh apple cake shines in almost any setting—served at brunch, with afternoon coffee, as dessert, or even during holiday celebrations. In particular, it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, creating a contrast of warm cake and cold creaminess.

If you’re feeling generous, baking the recipe in two loaf pans allows you to keep one and gift the other. Curiously, many fans of this cake insist it tastes even better when prepared two days in advance and wrapped in wax paper then aluminum foil, because the flavors meld together more harmoniously.

To conclude, your finished cake will keep well at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator (well-covered) for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Above all, countless bakers attest that this cake is « delicious, » « the best, » and « never disappoints. »

Indeed, Mamaw’s Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition worth starting in your own home. Therefore, preheat your oven, gather your apples, and prepare to create memories along with an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (based on 16 slices):

Calories: 375
Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 225mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 28g
Protein: 4g

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Indeed, Mamaw’s Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition worth starting in your own home. Throughout the generations, this cake has brought families together around the kitchen table, creating lasting memories with every delicious bite.

In the end, whether you’re baking this cake for a special occasion or simply because you have a few extra apples on hand, you’re participating in a time-honored tradition that has delighted Southern families for decades. Therefore, preheat your oven, gather your apples, and prepare to create memories along with an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

As Mamaw surely knew, the best recipes are those that bring joy long after the last crumb has been savored. Without a doubt, this fresh apple cake recipe accomplishes exactly that—creating not just a delicious dessert, but a meaningful experience to be shared and treasured.