Granny’s Apple Butter Cake is a delightful treat that embodies the cozy essence of home baking, infusing the comforting flavors of apple butter and spices into a moist and delicious cake. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a sweet indulgence, this recipe promises to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. With its warm aroma wafting through the air and its inviting taste tempting your taste buds, this cake is sure to evoke fond memories of family gatherings and lazy weekends spent savoring homemade treats.
🕒 Cook Time: 45 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups plain flour
- 1 1/2 cups apple butter
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup walnuts
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises to perfection.
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Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a 13 x 9 inch baking pan or 3 coffee cans or 2 loaf pans. This step prevents the cake from sticking to the pan, allowing for easy removal once baked.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the raisins and nuts. This includes the flour, apple butter, sugar, shortening, milk, eggs, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
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Mix Well: Using a mixer set at low speed, beat the ingredients together until well-mixed, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
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Beat at High Speed: Increase the mixer speed to high and beat the mixture for 3 minutes, occasionally scraping down the bowl to ensure everything is thoroughly combined and aerated.
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Add Raisins and Nuts: Stir in the raisins and walnuts, gently folding them into the batter until evenly distributed. This adds texture and bursts of flavor to the cake.
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Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan or divide it equally between the coffee cans or loaf pans, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
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Bake: Place the pan or pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or longer if using coffee cans. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time and adjust as needed based on your oven’s performance.
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Check Doneness: To ensure the cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, the cake is ready.
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Cool: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan or on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into generous portions and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the comforting flavors of apple butter and spices in every bite, savoring the nostalgia it brings with each mouthful.
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days, or freeze for longer storage. Simply thaw and reheat slices as needed for a quick and delicious treat.
Recipe Notes:
- Adjust Spices: Depending on the flavor intensity of your apple butter, feel free to adjust the spices accordingly. If your apple butter is particularly strong or light in flavor, you may want to increase or decrease the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves used in the recipe.
- Variations: Get creative with your additions! Consider adding dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or swapping out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with: This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Alternatively, enjoy it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Granny’s Apple Butter Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of tradition and a testament to the simple joys of homemade baking. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, this cake is sure to bring warmth and happiness to any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of cinnamon and apples fill your home as you embark on a culinary journey that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
