Gran’s Apple Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It balances sweet apples, nuts, and warm spices in a cake that’s not overly rich.
• The cream cheese frosting adds a gentle tang and creamy finish without overpowering the cake.
• It’s ideal for potlucks, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert.
• You can make it ahead and frost just before serving—or refrigerate leftovers for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake

• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Canola oil (or a neutral oil)
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
• Pecans (chopped)

Frosting

• Cream cheese (reduced-fat or full fat)
• Butter (softened)
• Vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ (powdered) sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven (approx. 175 °C / 350 °F). Grease a baking pan (for example, a 13×9 in / rectangle pan) or another comparable size.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, applesauce, oil, and vanilla until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans gently, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden)
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
9. While it cools (or after it has cooled), prepare the frosting: beat the cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until creamy and spreadable.
10. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
11. Slice and serve. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Servings and timing

• Serves: about 24 servings (in small squares)
• Prep time: ~ 10–15 minutes
• Bake time: ~ 35–40 minutes
• Cooling & frosting time: ~ 15–20 minutes
• Total time: ~ 1 hour (plus cooling)

Variations

• Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for a richer frosting.
• Add ground nutmeg or cloves into the cake batter for deeper spice.
• Substitute walnuts for pecans (or mix nuts) if preferred.
• Fold in raisins or shredded apple along with chopped apples for added texture.
• Use a round cake pan or layer cake version instead of a sheet/rectangle.
• For a lighter cake, reduce the sugar slightly or use part whole wheat flour (just adjust texture accordingly).

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover cake covered and refrigerated (because of the cream cheese frosting). It will keep for about 3–4 days.
• Serving: Bring slices to near room temperature for a softer texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in a low oven (about 150 °C / 300 °F) for 5–10 minutes, but keep an eye so the frosting doesn’t melt.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best?

Use firm, tart apples (e.g. Granny Smith, Jonathan) that hold shape during baking so pieces remain noticeable in the cake.

Can I omit the frosting?

Yes — the cake is still delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar. The frosting is optional but adds creaminess and sweetness.

Can I make the cake ahead and frost later?

Absolutely — bake the cake in advance, wrap tightly, and frost just before serving for the best texture.

Will the frosting be too soft to stay?

If your kitchen is warm, chill the cake slightly before frosting to help the frosting stay set on top.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust moisture (a tablespoon or two extra applesauce or milk) depending on the flour blend.

How do I slice neatly?

Use a sharp, clean knife. Warm the blade slightly (dip in hot water and dry) to help cut through without dragging.

Does the pecan add much flavor?

Yes — pecans add a pleasant nutty crunch and contrast to the soft apple inside the cake.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes — reduce granulated sugar by up to 10–15% and adjust to your taste. The apples add natural sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes — you can double and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Adjust baking time slightly (watch doneness).

How do I store leftover slices?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Conclusion

Gran’s Apple Cake is a comforting, nostalgic dessert that combines juicy apple pieces and nuts in a warmly spiced cake base, topped with a creamy frosting. It’s ideal for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy treat at home. If you like, I can convert this recipe to metric measurements or adapt it to your dietary preferences. Would you like me to do that?

Gran’s Apple Cake

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A soft, spiced apple cake filled with chunks of fresh apples and crunchy pecans, finished with a creamy layer of cream cheese frosting. Gran’s Apple Cake is a cozy, old-fashioned dessert perfect for fall gatherings or family treats.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American, Southern-style
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Heat oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs, applesauce, oil, and vanilla until well blended.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Combine batters: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
5. Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in chopped apples and pecans.
6. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat until creamy.
9. Frost: Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Notes

• Firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith) hold their shape best during baking.
• The frosting can be adjusted for sweetness—add more or less sugar to taste.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
• Allow cake to cool fully before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese topping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/24 of cake)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg