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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.