If you’re longing for a dessert that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and delivers a perfect balance of tender crumb and fruity sweetness, this Southern Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an old-fashioned treat that brings together juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy pecans into a moist, delicious cake that feels like a big, cozy hug from the South. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply craving a slice with your afternoon tea, this recipe promises easy preparation paired with spectacular flavor that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Apple Cake Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dessert bursting with texture and flavor. Each item has a special role, from the richness of vegetable oil to the spicy sweetness of cinnamon, ensuring every bite is both tender and flavorful.
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without the density of butter.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cake brown perfectly.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the batter while contributing richness and structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing its soft yet sturdy body.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Injects classic apple spice flavor that defines this cake.
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples: The star ingredient, giving bursts of juicy, tart sweetness in every bite.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds wonderful crunch and a nutty depth to complement the fruit.
How to Make Southern Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. Taking this step to prep the pan well will save you frustration when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups vegetable oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 3 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend builds the rich, moist foundation of your cake batter.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. This step evenly distributes your leavening and spices ensuring consistent flavor throughout the cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until combined. The batter will be thick—that’s exactly what you want to hold all those delicious mix-ins.
Step 5: Add Apples and Pecans
Fold in 3 cups peeled and chopped apples and 1 cup chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed. This step ensures every slice of your Southern Apple Cake Recipe will have that perfect mix of tender fruit and crunchy nuts.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be patient—this slow bake lets everything meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps the cake to set, making it easier to cut neat, beautiful pieces without crumbling.
How to Serve Southern Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top slices of this Southern Apple Cake Recipe with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds lovely visual appeal and enhances the cake’s autumnal flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spicy chai tea, making it a perfect companion for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake warm in small ramekins topped with toasted pecans and a drizzle of honey for an elegant mini dessert option. Alternatively, layer chunks of the cake in parfait glasses with whipped cream and cinnamon for a fun twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, wrap any leftover Southern Apple Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for 2-3 days, maintaining its moist texture and vibrant apple flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead treat. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to bring back that just-baked feel. Reheating enhances the aromas and softens the apples, reviving the cake’s charm perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil in the Southern Apple Cake Recipe?
Yes! While vegetable oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, you can substitute with canola or light olive oil. Avoid strongly flavored oils so the cake’s delicate sweetness isn’t overpowered.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that can be used cup-for-cup. You might find the texture slightly different but still delicious.
Is it possible to add more spices to the cake?
Certainly. Feel free to add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon for a deeper fall-spice profile without overwhelming the apple’s natural flavor.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If batter sticks to it, bake a few minutes longer and check again.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Southern Apple Cake Recipe that makes it a beloved classic in any home kitchen. Easy to make yet wonderfully flavorful, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the warm, cozy flavors everyone loves about apple desserts. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s like bringing a little bit of Southern hospitality right to your table, and trust me, once you taste it, it’ll become a go-to favorite for years to come.
Print
Southern Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Southern Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert loaded with tender apples and crunchy pecans, spiced with cinnamon, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy gathering or an everyday treat, this cake is easy to prepare and serves 16 generous portions.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Add-ins
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture while stirring. The resulting batter will be quite thick.
- Fold in Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apples along with the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan using a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes to allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure apples are peeled and chopped into uniform pieces for even baking.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor impact.
- Can add more pecans or substitute with walnuts if preferred.
- If desired, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top after cooling for extra presentation appeal.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
