Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Fresh Apple Cake Recipe is not just any dessert — it’s a warm, moist, and flavorful treat perfect for any season. Whether you enjoy it with coffee in the morning or as an after-dinner delight, this Fresh Apple Cake Recipe will impress everyone at the table. is exactly that – a timeless classic that combines the tartness of fresh apples, the crunch of toasted nuts, and the sweetness of a buttery brown sugar glaze.

I first discovered this version from P. Allen Smith’s kitchen, but over the years, I’ve made it my own by using White Lily flour for an unbelievably soft texture. Trust me, if you’ve ever tried the sweet tang of our Lemon Cream Cake Recipe, you know that the right balance of flavors can take a simple cake to legendary status.

Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or just because, this cake isn’t just dessert — it’s the centerpiece. One slice, and you’ll understand why guests ask for it year after year.

Why This Fresh Apple Cake Recipe Works

The secret lies in the combination of ingredients and baking method:

• Granny Smith apples for a perfect tart-sweet balance

• White Lily flour for a light and tender crumb

• Cinnamon and vanilla for warmth and depth

• Brown sugar glaze that seeps into the cake, making it incredibly moist

Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or let it rest overnight for deeper flavor, this cake holds up beautifully. It’s one of those desserts that actually tastes better the next day.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

• 4 cups apples, unpeeled and chopped (Granny Smith is ideal)

• 2 cups unbleached white flour (White Lily recommended)

• 2 eggs, well beaten

• 1 cup raisins

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup oil

• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 stick sweet cream butter

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• Powdered sugar (as needed for consistency)

Directions

1. Mix the Base
   In a large bowl, combine oil, white sugar, and eggs until smooth.

2. Add Dry Ingredients
   Sift the flour with baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, then fold it into the wet mixture.

3. Incorporate Apples & Extras
   Add chopped apples, vanilla, nuts, and raisins. Stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick — don’t be tempted to thin it out!

4. Prepare the Pan
   Spray a bundt pan generously with non-stick spray.

5. Bake
   Scoop the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 90 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine butter, salt, brown sugar, and milk.

2. Heat and stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until it reaches spreading consistency.

4. Pour the glaze over the slightly warm cake so it soaks into the top layer.

Tips & Variations

• Apple Choice: While Granny Smith is the classic choice, Honeycrisp or Fuji work for a sweeter cake.

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts for those with allergies — the texture will still be amazing.

• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a cozy twist.

• Caramel Boost: Swap part of the glaze sugar for maple syrup for a richer flavor.

• Individual Cakes: Bake in mini bundt pans and reduce the baking time to 25–30 minutes.

If you like comforting, cozy recipes like this, you’ll also love our Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe for a tropical twist.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Lasts up to 6 days — just warm before serving.

• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 90 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

• Yield: 12–14 servings

Tools Used

• Bundt cake pan

• Large mixing bowl

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Saucepan for glaze

• Wire cooling rack

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Apple Cake Recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most unforgettable desserts. Between the tender crumb, chunks of tart apple, and rich brown sugar glaze, every bite is like a warm hug from the past.

For more baking inspiration, check out Delish’s dessert recipes — they’re full of sweet ideas to keep your oven busy.

TINSUF RECIPES

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

An old-fashioned apple cake made with fresh Granny Smith apples, warm spices, and a rich brown sugar glaze — perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course: cake

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• Cake: 4 cups chopped apples 2 cups flour, 2 eggs, 1 cup raisins, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup oil, 1 cup walnuts/pecans, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla
• Glaze: 1 stick butter 2 tbsp milk, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, powdered sugar as needed

Equipment

• Bundt pan, large bowl, saucepan, wire rack

Method

 

1. Instructions:
2. Mix oil, sugar, and eggs.
3. Add sifted flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda.
4. Stir in apples, vanilla, nuts, raisins.
5. Pour into greased bundt pan.
6. Bake at 325°F for 90 minutes.
7. Cool 15 minutes before removing.
8. Make glaze: heat butter, milk, sugar, salt, then whisk in powdered sugar.
9. Drizzle over cake.

Notes

Best served warm or the next day after flavors meld.