Embrace the warmth and hospitality of Southern cuisine with this mouth-watering Southern Apple Cake. Loaded with fresh apples, spices, and a rich frosting, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and delight to any table.
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups finely chopped apples (peeled)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Ingredients for the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Baking the Cake:
- Dry Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mixing the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar until light and pale. Gradually pour in the oil and vanilla extract, continuing to beat.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and nuts, if using. The batter will be thick.
- Baking:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Preparing the Frosting:
- Cooking the Frosting Base:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk.
- Bring to a boil over low heat and continue to stir for 1 minute or until the sugar is dissolved.
- Finalizing the Frosting:
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar, a half-cup at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The frosting should be thick but pourable.
- Frosting the Cake:
- Pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake, using a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Allow the frosting to set before cutting into squares and serving.
This Southern Apple Cake, with its moist crumb and delectable frosting, is a true reflection of Southern baking at its best – simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Enjoy it as an after-dinner treat or a sweet companion to your afternoon coffee.