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This fresh apple cake is a time-tested treasure, bursting with tender chunks of tart apples, crunchy nuts, and topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze that soaks into every bite. Perfected over generations and lovingly shared by a dear family friend, this recipe is everything you need for a moist, flavorful dessert that’s destined to become a family favorite.
This is one of those treasured recipes passed down by a sweet family friend, Barbara Carter. When my daughter was away at college, Barbara and her husband, Wayne, always opened their home to us whenever we went to visit her. They are both incredible cooks, and Barbara’s apple cake quickly became one of our favorite treats. Truth be told, we always secretly hoped a warm slice of this cake would be waiting for us when we walked through the door. It’s just one of those recipes that feels like love baked into every bite.
Barbara was nice enough to share this recipe with me so I could make it at home, and she gave me her blessing to pass it along to you. This cake has been made for generations, perfected over the years with little tweaks, and now it’s ready to become a part of your family’s recipe box too. It’s everything you want in a homemade cake—simple, delicious, and full of that nostalgic charm that makes you want to bake it again and again. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll understand why this cake is so special!
What is Apple Cake?
Apple cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that lets fresh apples shine as the star ingredient, often paired with crunchy nuts, warm spices, and a buttery glaze or frosting. It’s one of those desserts that can be dense and rich or light and tender, and this recipe hits the perfect balance with just the right texture. The apples bring a natural sweetness and keep every bite wonderfully moist.
While it’s often thought of as a fall dessert when apples are in season, apple cake is truly a year-round favorite. Its cozy, comforting flavors make it perfect for family gatherings or simply treating yourself to something homemade and absolutely delicious.
What You’ll Need for the Best Apple Cake Recipe
- Cooking Oil: Helps keep the cake super moist. Stick to neutral oils like vegetable or canola.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is key to balancing the tartness of the apples.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
- Self-Rising Flour: Makes this cake foolproof. No extra leavening agents needed!
- Vanilla: Enhances all the flavors in the cake and glaze.
- Nuts: Pecans or walnuts work best; chop them finely for even distribution.
- Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
What Kind of Apples for Apple Cake?
For apple cake, firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith(my pick), but Braeburn, Jonathan, and Pacific Rose are a fantastic choice because they hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the cake.
If you prefer a sweeter flavor, varieties like Honeycrisp, Jazz, Fuji, or Pink Lady work beautifully too. Just make sure to choose apples that are firm enough to avoid turning mushy in the cake.
How to Make Apple Cake with Fresh Apples
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9 X 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix oil and sugar until well combined. Add in eggs one at a time. Slowly add in self-rising flour until combined and mix in vanilla. Fold in nuts and apples. The batter will be very thick.
TIP for using All Purpose Flour: Mrs. Barbara makes this with self-rising flour. But you can use all-purpose flour if you do not have self-rising. Her original recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Step 3. Spread into prepared 9 X 13 dish. Bake for about 40 to 55 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool as you start the glaze.
Brown Sugar Glaze for Apple Cake
Step 1 for Glaze. In a saucepan, over medium heat, while stirring add butter and brown sugar and cook until it dissolves. Add in powdered sugar and milk and stir until well combined and melted into the glaze.
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Step 2 for Glaze. Immediately pour glaze over the cake and serve warm.
How to Serve Fresh Apple Cake with Glaze
This apple cake can truly stand on its own with its moist texture, tender chunks of apple, and that rich buttery glaze that soaks into every bite.
For an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the flavors. It’s equally delicious with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon indulgence!
How to Store Apple Cake with Glaze
Make Ahead: Prepare the cake but hold off on adding the glaze. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If freezing, wrap the unglazed cake in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the glaze before serving.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Be sure it’s covered to keep it moist.
Freezing Leftovers Instructions: Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then warm gently if desired. If the glaze is on the cake, heating will melt it into the cake.
Does apple cake need to be refrigerated?
Apple cake doesn’t need to be refrigerated if you plan to enjoy it within 1-2 days. Simply cover it tightly and store it at room temperature. However, if you’d like to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Can you freeze apple cake?
Yes, you can freeze apple cake! To freeze the cake, let it cool completely and skip the glaze until after it’s thawed (if possible glaze after freezing for best glaze texture). Wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make sure to share Fresh Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze with someone you love! I truly believe recipes are meant to be shared. I am so glad the Carters shared this with me. Not only do I now have lifelong friends, I have cherished memories made around the table!
Other Apple Recipes to Enjoy
- Apple Butter Cheesecake Tart
- Instant Pot Apple Butter
- Bourbon Apple Pecan Bread Pudding
- Apple Pecan Sticky Bun Bites
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Fresh Apple Cake Recipe from Scratch
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ¼ cups cooking oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ cups self rising flour
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup nuts, chopped
- 3 apples, peeled & chopped, (I use granny smith apples)
Glaze
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp milk
- ¾ cup powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix oil and sugar until well combined. Add in eggs one at a time. Slowly add in flour until combined and mix in vanilla. Fold in nuts and apples.
- Bake for about 40 to 55 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool as your start the glaze.
Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a saucepan, over medium heat, while stirring add butter and brown sugar and cook until it dissolves. Add in powdered sugar and milk and stir until well combined and melted into glaze.
- Immediately pour glaze over cake and serve warm.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
I only have dark brown sugar and didn’t realize till baking the cake. Will it make a difference and do I need to cut back on the amount? I also added cinnamon and allspice ❤️
I think it will be just fine, a little richer in flavor. Those are yummy additions and I hope you enjoyed it!
This cake was a huge hit! A friend asked me to make one for her in a Bundt pan. Have you tried it? Just wasn’t sure about it because it is so moist and I don’t know how well it will hold.
I’m so sorry I haven’t tested it in a bundt pan.
Can this recipe be made in a 11×17 pan? I made this and it is absolutely delicious!!! Our whole family said it was a hit!
Thank you so much! I haven’t tested it in a pan that size. If you try it, I would love to hear your results. I would reduce the cook time if you do attempt it.
apple cake is my all-time favorite. This looks so perfect and delicious. I will try your recipe soon.
I love a cake made with fresh apples! And that brown sugar glaze looks so perfect!