The Most Scrumptious Apple Cake Recipe Ever Made

Sweet memories often swirl around a classic apple cake that brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen.

Grandmothers across generations have perfected this delightful dessert with love and care.

Crisp autumn apples combine perfectly with soft, tender cake layers that melt in your mouth.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each delectable slice, creating an irresistible aroma.

Baking this simple treat requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction for everyone at the table.

Each bite connects you to cherished moments of sharing and enjoying something wonderfully homemade.

I promise this recipe will become a treasured favorite you'll want to make again and again.

Why Delia Smith Apple Cake Is A Cozy Classic

• Celebrate Seasonal Goodness: Packed with fresh apples and warm spices, this cake captures the cozy essence of autumn in every delectable bite.
• Master Baking with Ease: Straightforward steps and basic ingredients make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
• Versatile Serving Delight: Equally fantastic as a morning coffee companion, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert for gatherings and special occasions.

Delia Smith Apple Cake Ingredient List

• Flour: The base dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Oil: Creates moisture and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cake together and provides richness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a tender cake texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple flavor and add depth to the cake.

• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Vanilla: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the cake.
• Walnuts: Optional ingredient that provides crunch and nutty flavor.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Cream: Create a smooth, rich glaze to pour over the warm cake.

Steps To Make Delia Smith Apple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 325F and grab a bundt pan. Generously coat the inside with butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Ensure everything is evenly blended with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Oil And Sugars

• White sugar
• Brown sugar

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently to create a consistent batter without overmixing.

Step 6: Add Fruit And Nuts

• Chopped apples
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

Distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake The Cake

Transfer batter to the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool The Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan for 20 minutes. This helps it set and makes removal easier.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

In a saucepan, combine glaze ingredients. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 10: Finish And Serve

Carefully invert cake onto a serving plate. While still warm, drizzle glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Step 11: Slice And Enjoy

Allow cake to cool slightly before cutting into delicious slices. Serve and savor!

Tips To Nail Delia Smith Apple Cake

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure consistent cake texture and flavor balance.
• Choose Apples Wisely: Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold shape during baking and provide bright flavor.
• Toast Walnuts Quickly: Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert toothpick at cake's center; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Glaze While Warm: Pour warm glaze over slightly cooled cake to help it absorb smoothly and create a glossy, delicious finish.

Tasty Options For Delia Smith Apple Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. Ensure baking soda is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Replace dairy-based glaze with plant-based milk and maple syrup mixture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute white and brown sugars with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use fewer apples and add extra spices for flavor complexity.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Remove walnuts completely. Add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Consider using rolled oats as alternative texture element.

What Goes Best With Delia Smith Apple Cake

• Enhance Classic Cider Pairing: Pour a crisp, cold apple cider alongside this warm apple cake to intensify the fruity essence and complement the cake's spiced profile.
• Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Select a medium-roast coffee with caramel or nutty undertones to balance the cake's sweetness and highlight its warm cinnamon notes.
• Create Creamy Accompaniment: Serve a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to add luxurious smoothness and contrast the cake's dense texture.
• Elevate Dessert Wine Selection: Choose a late-harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato to provide a delicate, honeyed counterpoint that echoes the cake's apple and spice flavors.

How To Store Delia Smith Apple Cake The Right Way

• Store leftover apple cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Carefully wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Place cake slice on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual slices on 50% power for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and add additional short bursts if needed to prevent overheating and maintain cake's soft texture.

Delia Smith Apple Cake FAQ Section

• What type of apples work best for this cake?

Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

• Can I make this cake without nuts?

Absolutely! You can skip the walnuts entirely or substitute with another nut like pecans, or simply leave them out without changing the recipe’s core ingredients.

• Is this a moist cake?

Yes, the combination of oil instead of butter and fresh apples ensures a super moist and tender cake that stays soft even after a day or two.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

Rustic Apple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 36 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Apple cake is a timeless dessert where apples and cinnamon shine. Moist, fragrant, and simple, it’s a bake that feels like comfort in every slice.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
• 2 teaspoons (4 grams) cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 3 large apples, peeled and cut into large pieces
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) heavy cream

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 milliliter) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 325F (160C) and coat a 12-cup bundt pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully sift the dry ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend oil and sugars until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the mixture, then mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Gently fold chopped apples and walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Pour the batter into the bundt pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center – it should come out clean.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 20 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly.
10. Prepare the glaze by combining ingredients in a saucepan and bringing to a rapid boil for exactly 1 minute.
11. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and immediately drizzle the warm glaze over the surface.
12. Let the glazed cake cool for a few additional minutes before slicing to serve.

Notes

• Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds to customize the texture and flavor profile.
• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or mix apple varieties for complex taste depth.
• Reduce sugar by substituting with unsweetened applesauce to create a lighter, less caloric version.
• Line bundt pan with parchment paper for easier cake removal and cleaner presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 428 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 187 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg