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–+ servings
Apple Cake
This vintage-style apple cake is a moist, spice-kissed dessert loaded with diced apples, crunchy nuts, and crowned with melted butterscotch morsels that act as a built-in frosting. With a texture somewhere between a dense spice cake and a chunky cobbler, this old-school treat celebrates autumn flavors and pantry staples. Its charm lies in the simplicity of hand-mixing and the irresistible scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the oven. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or afternoon coffee breaks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 408 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup nuts (chopped, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
  • 4 cups apples (diced, peeled and cored)
  • 11 oz butterscotch morsels

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, stir together sugar, eggs, oil, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
  • Mix thoroughly by hand, do not use a mixer.

Step 2: Add Apples

  • Fold in diced apples until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble

  • Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Sprinkle butterscotch morsels evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips

  • Substitute brown sugar for half the white sugar for deeper caramel notes.
  • Add ¼ tsp nutmeg or allspice for extra warm spice.
  • Use peeled or unpeeled apples, either works.
  • Replace butterscotch morsels with caramel bits for a gooier topping.
  • Mix in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for added texture.
  • Swap nuts for pecans or walnuts, depending on preference.
  • Use applesauce for part of the oil to lighten the cake.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Bake in a Bundt pan (increase bake time by ~10 minutes).
  • For a crunchier top, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 4gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 285mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 2gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 1.5mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword American dessert, apple cake, butterscotch, comfort food, easy baking, fall baking, heirloom cake, vintage recipe
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