Shenandoah Valley Apple Cake 🍎
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Calories per serving: 353.3
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5.0 from 3 reviews)
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Apple, Fruit, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours
Description:
Virginia is apple country, and when those crisp apples come into season, this Shenandoah Valley Apple Cake is a must-try! 🍏🍰 A delightful blend of tart apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this cake is perfect for dessert lovers and baking enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re serving a large gathering or simply craving a cozy fall treat, this sensational recipe promises to delight your taste buds! 😋
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 cups | Sugar |
| 1 cup | Sugar (for coating) |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 2 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1 1/2 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 1 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground nutmeg |
| 3 cups | Tart apples, peeled and diced |
| 1 cup | Chopped nuts (optional) |
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). 🌡️
-
Prepare Pan:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle it with the cup of sugar, shaking to coat the sides and bottom evenly. This will give the cake a deliciously caramelized crust! 🍬
-
Mix Sugar and Oil:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of sugar with the oil. Mix well until the sugar is fully incorporated into the oil.
-
Add Eggs:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully blended into the mixture.
-
Blend in Vanilla:
- Stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the batter with its aromatic sweetness.
-
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of spices will give your apple cake its irresistible flavor! 🌟
-
Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar and oil mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
-
Fold in Apples and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the diced tart apples and chopped nuts, if using. These additions will add texture and bursts of fruity flavor to every bite! 🍎🌰
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Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Check for Doneness:
- Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; depending on your oven, it may need a little more or less time. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the apple cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, slice into squares or rectangles, and serve warm or at room temperature.
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Enjoy the Aroma and Flavor:
- As you slice into this Shenandoah Valley Apple Cake, breathe in the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples. Each bite offers a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and spice, making it the perfect fall dessert. Serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat! 🍨✨
Recipe Notes:
-
Thick Batter Alert: Don’t be alarmed if the batter seems quite thick when you’re mixing it! This is perfectly normal and will result in a moist, dense cake with chunks of tender apple throughout. 🍏💫
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Variations: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can swap the nuts for raisins or cranberries, or add a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
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Storage: Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices of the cake for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in the freezer.
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Share the Joy: Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee on a crisp autumn morning or shared with loved ones at a festive gathering, this Shenandoah Valley Apple Cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite! 🍂🍰
So, gather your fresh apples, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the flavors of fall with this delightful dessert! Shenandoah Valley Apple Cake is a true taste of Virginia’s apple country, bringing warmth and sweetness to every bite. Enjoy! 🍎🥮
