Jewish Apple Cake is a dense, moist dessert often enjoyed during Jewish holidays but beloved year-round. Originating in Ashkenazi Jewish kitchens, this cake balances the tartness of fresh apples with a spiced cinnamon-sugar blend and rich vanilla cake. Unlike many cakes, it's dairy-free, using oil instead of butter, making it ideal for kosher meals where meat and dairy are kept separate. Its layered construction gives it a rustic yet elegant appearance, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 4 Rome apples (or other firm, tart apples, peeled and sliced)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 5 tsp sugar (for coating apples)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup oil
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup orange juice
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Apples
- Peel and slice apples.
- Toss with cinnamon and 5 tsp sugar. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 cups sugar, oil, baking powder, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix until smooth and fully blended.
Step 3: Assemble Cake
- Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Layer half the apple mixture on the bottom.
- Pour in half the batter.
- Repeat with remaining apples and batter.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10–15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Tips
- Use Rome apples as written, or substitute Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a brighter flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper warm-spice notes.
- Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for a classic presentation.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Swap half the orange juice for applesauce for a softer, moister crumb.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans between the apple layers for texture.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert.
- For stronger citrus flavor, add 1 tsp fresh orange zest to the batter.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent lightly with foil during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.8gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 72mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 2gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 1.3mg