Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

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🍎 Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

✅ Yield: One 9×13-inch cake (serves ~12)

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 45–55 minutes | Total Time: ~1 hr 15 mins

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🧺 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 3-4 medium apples; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great)

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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For the Brown Sugar Glaze (optional but recommended):

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup milk or heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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🥣 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper for easier removal.

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Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

   • Sugar

   • Oil

   • Eggs

   • Vanilla extract

2. Mix until well combined — it should look thick and glossy.

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Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, sift together:

   • Flour

   • Baking soda

   • Salt

   • Cinnamon

   • Nutmeg

2. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined — don’t overmix.

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Step 4: Add Apples & Nuts

1. Fold in the chopped apples (and nuts, if using).

   • The batter will be thick — that’s normal. The apples will release moisture as the cake bakes.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.

2. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   • Check at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.

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Step 6: Make Glaze (While Cake Bakes or Cools)

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat:

   • Melt butter, then stir in brown sugar and milk/cream.

   • Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

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Step 7: Finish & Serve

1. Once the cake is out of the oven, poke small holes across the top using a fork or toothpick.

2. Pour the warm glaze over the warm cake so it soaks in.

3. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

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🍏 Tips & Variations

• Best Apples: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Gala) apples for depth of flavor.

• No Glaze? Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

• Make Ahead: Stays moist for days. Even better the next day!

• Storage: Store covered at room temp for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze (unglazed) up to 3 months.

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Would you like a printable version or a version tailored for muffins or cupcakes?