Meet your new fall favorite Virginia’s Fresh Apple Cake! This cake is incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and bursting with fresh apple chunks in every bite. It’s an old-fashioned classic straight from the heart of Southern kitchens simple, comforting, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love Virginia’s Fresh Apple Cake

Here’s what makes this apple cake extra special:
Super Moist Texture – Thanks to the juicy apples and oil-based batter.
Loaded with Apples – Every bite has sweet, tender chunks.
Simple Pantry Ingredients – No fancy ingredients, just real goodness.
Perfectly Spiced – A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg brings cozy warmth.
Versatile & Easy – Bake it in a bundt, loaf pan, or 9×13 dish.
Stays Moist for Days – The flavor gets better overnight!

Ingredients in Virginia’s Fresh Apple Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need:
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cake.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Vegetable Oil – Makes the cake moist and rich.
Eggs – Bind everything together.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the warm flavors.
Baking Soda – Helps the cake rise.
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon – Classic warm spice for apples.
Fresh Apples – Peeled and chopped; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully.
Chopped Nuts (optional) – Walnuts or pecans for crunch and flavor.

(Note: Exact measurements and baking times are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

This cake comes together easily with just a few steps:
1. Prep the Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add the Apples: Stir chopped apples (and nuts, if using) into the wet mixture.
5. Combine Everything: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until incorporated.
6. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approx. 370

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Virginia’s Fresh Apple Cake

Serve it:
Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
As a cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee
With a light dusting of powdered sugar or a cinnamon glaze
As a holiday dessert topped with caramel sauce and toasted nuts

Additional Tips

Get the best out of your apple cake with these pro tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice flavor contrast.
Don’t overmix the batter gentle folding keeps it tender.
For extra moisture and spice, add a tablespoon of applesauce or chopped dates.
Chop apples into small, even pieces so they bake evenly.
This cake freezes well! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Want a glaze? Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a pinch of cinnamon.
Add raisins, coconut, or crushed pineapple for your own twist.

FAQs

1. What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great. Use a mix for more depth.

2. Can I make this cake in a loaf pan?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Start checking around 45–50 minutes.

3. Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is best for a soft texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a rustic feel.

4. Can I use melted butter instead of oil?
You can, but oil tends to make the cake more moist and tender.

5. How do I store it?
Wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

6. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Let it cool, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

7. Can I add a glaze or frosting?
Yes! A simple vanilla glaze or caramel drizzle pairs beautifully.

8. What nuts work best in this cake?
Pecans or walnuts add great crunch and flavor, but you can omit them too.

9. Is this cake overly sweet?
No it has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, especially when using tart apples.

10. Can I make it ahead?
Definitely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Conclusion

Virginia’s Fresh Apple Cake is pure comfort in cake form. Bursting with juicy apple bits, warming cinnamon, and a tender crumb, it’s the kind of timeless recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Perfect for chilly mornings, cozy evenings, and any time you need a little taste of home. Go ahead bake it, share it, and fall in love with every slice.

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