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Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

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This easy cake is a delicious Autumn treat! Loaded with cinnamon, nuts and apples, the texture is tender and moist, and the exterior is lightly crisp. A heirloom recipe that's been a family favorite for generations.

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A sliced fresh apple Bundt cake with cream cheese icing and chopped walnuts

Everybody loves a Fresh Apple Cake loaded with a generous helping of cinnamon, nuts and apples.

Fresh apple cake has a fantastic moist and tender texture, and a lightly crisp exterior. This heirloom recipe that’s been a family favorite for generations and is a delicious autumn treat!

I feel like I’ve been looking for the perfect Apple Bundt Cake recipe for generations myself. I’ve tried so many recipes over the years that I’ve lost count. I even tried developing my own apple Bundt cake recipe, but with no luck.

I’m thrilled to announce that the search is now over because I’ve finally found the best Fresh Apple Cake recipe ever! Last weekend we took a whirlwind trip to my visit my youngest brother Tom and his beautiful, talented wife Nanon in Columbus Ohio. When we arrived, Tom and Nanon had appetizers ready, dinner in the oven and this fantastic Fresh Apple Cake cooling on the countertop.

The cake already looked delicious, but then she slathered on the silky cream cheese icing making it irresistible.

Fresh apple Bundt cake with cream cheese icing and walnuts

This apple cake recipe has been passed down for generations.

Nanon got this recipe from her mother, who she lost at a very young age. The cake is simple and absolutely delicious and was an instant favorite with my husband too.

Nanon has been making this cake for years and it’s easy to see why. Using vegetable oil instead of butter makes the cake’s exterior slightly crisp and the interior texture perfectly moist. Don’t even think of skipping the cream cheese icing – it’s so good!

 

A slice of fresh apple bundt cake with cream cheese icing and walnuts

Fresh Apple Cake keeps in the refrigerator for many days, and even travels well too.

Tom and Nanon sent us on our way with the leftover cake, and I can attest that it makes terrific road food. Ever so thoughtful, Nanon even packed some napkins and forks in our little goodie bag. I guess she knows us well!

This cake didn’t stand a chance of making it all the way home. Thank you Nanon for your thoughtfulness, and especially for letting me share this amazing recipe with our readers!

A slice of fresh apple bundt cake with cream cheese icing

If you have three extra apples looking for a forever home, this is it!

 

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A fresh apple cake topped with a thick drizzled icing and chopped walnuts

Fresh Apple Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Author: Tricia
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5 from 4 votes
This easy cake is a delicious Autumn treat! Loaded with cinnamon, nuts and apples, the texture is tender and moist, and the exterior is lightly crisp. A heirloom recipe that's been a family favorite for generations.

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 3 cups chopped peeled apples (about 3 medium-large apples)

For the icing:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional for thinning if needed)

Instructions

To prepare the cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a Bundt pan and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Add the eggs, oil and vanilla and beat on low with an electric mixer, just until blended. Using a spatula, fold in the nuts and apples.
  • Scoop the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F for 70 - 90 minutes or until a wooden skewer comes out with no wet batter. A few moist crumbs is fine. Baking times may vary depending on the kind of apples used.
  • Cool the cake completely before icing.

To prepare the icing:

  • In a small mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, butter, powered sugar and vanilla. Beat on low with an electric mixer. Add a little milk to thin, if needed, or more powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a glaze instead of thick icing, reduce the powdered sugar to 1 cup.

Recipe Notes

  • Adapted from a recipe provided by my sister-in-law, Nanon Morrison
  • I used a combination of apples I had on hand. One Granny Smith and two Fuji. I like apples that don't completely melt when cooked, and also prefer something tart. 
  • I used walnuts in this recipe but feel free to use pecans if you prefer.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 683kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

Here are a few more apple recipes you might enjoy:

Irish Apple Crumble Cake ~ made with fresh apples, plenty of cinnamon, and a sweet crumble top.  This rustic and moist cake is delightful drizzled with our creamy Apple Brandy Sauce!

 

Apple Cinnamon Scones ~ light and fluffy with a crispy sweet crust, large chunks of apple and delicious cinnamon chips!

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32 Comments

    • Mary Bratton

      It want keep long because it is so delicious it disappears right before your eyes!!!
      I have never even tried the fancy glaze in my opinion it doesn’t need it , hats off to you or rather I think you said your mother’s wrote this recipe….

      Reply

  2. Elizabeth

    3 stars
    I have made twice this recipe using two different Bundt cakes, and they are a disaster when I turn them over. Both times it got stuck to the pan, which I greased per instructions. Should I use floured spray? It is delicious but doesn’t look like the pictures.

    Reply

    • Tricia Buice

      Hi Elizabeth. Sorry you had trouble with this recipe. I’ve never had this cake stick to a pan, especially with all the oil in this recipe. It crisps up nicely and releases well. My sister-in-law never had trouble with this recipe, either. Not sure why you’re having this issue. Make sure you are greasing the pan well, and you can flour if you want, but I never do. You may want to let it cool longer before turning it out. Thanks for the feedback.

      Reply

    • Yvette Lopez

      It says to add cinnamon but when do we add it or does it go on top after the icing?
      Also does this rise up because I added it all in one pan thinking nothing of it rising out of the pan, now I’m fearing for my life.

      Reply

  7. Julie G

    5 stars
    DELICIOUS! This was super easy to make and we loved it. Only changes I made were to use 1 1/2 cups white sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar along with leaving out the nuts. Followed all other directions exactly including the frosting which sooooo yummy! Came out of the pan easily. Not only was it moist and packed with apple flavor, it looked really pretty too. Apple cake is a must in our house as it’s my husband’s favorite. Thank you for another new favorite Tricia…this is a keeper! *****

    Reply

    • Tricia Buice

      Julie – you are the BEST! You picked a great recipe to try and we’re so glad it worked out for you. Thanks for the feedback – I know it helps our readers to know this is a good solid recipe. Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season! Thanks again 🙂

      Reply

  8. mimi rippee

    I really love this cake because it’s obviously so moist! I’m just not a fan of dry cakes, or scones, shortbread… I think this will be popular for my day-after-Thanksgiving brunch!

    Reply

  9. Pam

    I’m always looking for great apple cake recipes and this one is a keeper, Tricia! It looks very moist and delicious with that healthy dose of cinnamon! Thanks for the recipe. A slice of it and a cup of coffee, woo hoo!!!

    Reply

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