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–+ servings
Apple Pie Cake
Apple Pie Cake is a warm, spiced dessert that blends the flavor of apple pie with the soft, moist texture of cake. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped nuts folded into a batter rich with diced apples, it’s a rustic and satisfying treat that’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday tables. The cake is baked in a single layer or two square pans and emerges golden with tender apples throughout. Its charming, homey flavor makes it a perennial favorite among those who love cozy, fruit-forward desserts.
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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 381 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp hot water
  • 5 cups apples (diced, peeled and cored)
  • 1 cup nuts (chopped )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Base

  • Cream shortening and sugar together in a large bowl.
  • Stir in eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

  • Stir half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
  • Beat in 2 tablespoons of hot water.
  • Add the remaining flour mixture with another 2 tablespoons of hot water. Stir gently after each addition until just combined.

Step 4: Fold In

  • Fold in diced apples and chopped nuts.

Step 5: Prepare to Bake

  • Grease two 9x9-inch pans or one large pan.
  • Spread batter evenly in pan(s).

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until the sides pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips

  • Add ½ cup raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Replace shortening with butter for richer flavor.
  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth.
  • Add ¼ teaspoon cloves for stronger warm spice notes.
  • Top warm slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Substitute walnuts or pecans for the chopped nuts.
  • For lighter texture, reduce flour by ¼ cup and increase hot water slightly.
  • Add a streusel topping for extra crunch.
  • Fold in diced pears for a fall fruit blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 224mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 3gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 72IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 2mg
Keyword American classic, apple dessert, cinnamon spice, cozy dessert, fall baking, heirloom recipe, homemade cake, vintage baking
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