Jewish Apple Cake from Bubba's Recipe Box Recipe

Jewish Apple Cake from Bubba's Recipe Box Recipe

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Apple Cinnamon Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • cup white sugar
  • 5 large Rome Beauty apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix the cinnamon, cup of sugar, and chopped apples together. Set the mixture aside.
  3. In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the vegetable oil, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Beat in the orange juice and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
  7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer half of the apple mixture on top of the batter.
  8. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, then top with the remaining apple mixture.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips

  • For a more tart flavor, try using Granny Smith apples.
  • For added sweetness and a glossy finish, drizzle the leftover juice from the apple-cinnamon mixture over the cake.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Amount
Calories 528
Total Fat 20g
Saturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 341mg
Total Carbohydrate 83g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Total Sugars 56g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 7mg
Calcium 90mg
Iron 2mg
Potassium 164mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Jewish Apple Cake

Jewish Apple Cake is a beloved dessert that has become a staple in many Jewish households, particularly in the United States. Its a moist, flavorful cake brimming with the sweetness of apples and the warm scent of cinnamon. This cake is often prepared for special occasions, such as Jewish holidays, but its comforting flavor makes it a great treat for any time of year.

History and Origins

The origins of Jewish Apple Cake are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed to have been brought to the United States by Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century. The cakes humble roots are a reflection of the resourceful nature of Jewish immigrants who sought to create delicious dishes with readily available ingredients. With apples being abundant in many parts of the U.S., they became a natural addition to the cake's rich, dense batter. Over time, this cake became synonymous with Jewish family traditions, especially during holidays like Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur. The cake symbolizes the sweetness of the new year and is often served alongside other traditional Jewish foods.

Regional Variations

While the Jewish Apple Cake is enjoyed across many Jewish communities in the U.S., it has distinct variations based on regional and personal preferences. In New York, for example, the cake might include a bit of orange juice or zest to complement the apples sweetness. In other parts of the country, a streusel topping with nuts may be added, giving the cake an added crunch. The choice of apples also varies, with varieties like Granny Smith, Rome Beauty, or even Fuji being popular in different regions. While the basic recipe remains the same, these small adjustments give each version of the cake its unique twist.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

Jewish Apple Cake differs from traditional American apple cakes in several key ways. First, it tends to have a denser texture, almost like a pound cake, due to the higher oil content and the layering of apples throughout the batter. This contrasts with lighter, fluffier apple cakes that are typically made with butter. Another distinction is the use of a tube pan or bundt pan, which allows for an even bake and a beautiful presentation. The addition of orange juice to the batter also sets it apart from many other apple cakes, infusing the cake with a subtle citrus note that complements the cinnamon-spiced apples.

Where It Is Typically Served

Jewish Apple Cake is often served during the fall and winter months, particularly during Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah, but it can be enjoyed year-round. Its rich, comforting flavors make it a perfect dessert for family gatherings and festive occasions. The cakes combination of sweetness and spiciness makes it a great pairing with a cup of tea or coffee, making it ideal for both casual get-togethers and special celebrations. In fact, it is often made in large quantities to feed a crowd, as it is a universally loved treat that rarely lasts long at any gathering.

Interesting Facts

  • The recipe for Jewish Apple Cake has been passed down through generations in many Jewish families, with each baker adding their own touch. It is often said that once you find a good Jewish Apple Cake recipe, you should never change it!
  • One of the unique features of this cake is its use of Rome Beauty apples, a variety that is known for its ability to hold up well during baking without turning mushy.
  • In some families, Jewish Apple Cake is made in honor of loved ones who have passed away, becoming a way of keeping family traditions alive and honoring those who came before.
  • Although the cake is most commonly associated with Jewish holidays, its widespread popularity has made it a common dessert in non-Jewish households as well, especially in areas with large Jewish populations.

Whether youre celebrating a Jewish holiday or simply indulging in a sweet treat, the Jewish Apple Cake from Bubbas Recipe Box is sure to delight. Its tender crumb, cinnamon-spiced apples, and rich flavor are the perfect combination of tradition and deliciousness.

FAQ about Jewish Apple Cake from Bubba's Recipe Box Recipe

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To extend freshness, you can freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Yes, this cake actually improves in flavor after a day or two as the apples continue to release moisture into the batter. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. If you'd like, you can also refrigerate it and reheat slices in the microwave before serving.

Yes, you can substitute other apple varieties in this recipe. Granny Smith apples will provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake, while Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious apples will add a milder sweetness and softer texture. Keep in mind that firmer apples, like Granny Smith, will hold their shape better during baking.

If the cake is browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent further browning while it finishes baking. This will help ensure the cake cooks evenly without becoming too dark on the surface.

To make the cake less dense, you can try substituting half of the oil with applesauce, as some reviewers have done. This can lighten the texture while still maintaining the moistness. You can also reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use a mixture of brown and white sugar for a different texture.

Yes, Jewish Apple Cake freezes well. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze individual slices for easy serving later. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature or reheat individual slices in the microwave.

You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra spice, or top the cake with a glaze. Many people enjoy a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a caramel glaze to enhance the flavor. If you're a fan of nuts, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for some crunch.

The cooking time can vary depending on the type of pan you're using and your oven's performance. A tube pan might take longer to bake than a smaller loaf pan. Be sure to test the cake with a toothpick at the 90-minute mark, and continue baking if needed until it comes out clean.

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure to use two pans or a larger pan with sufficient capacity to hold the doubled batter. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size and shape of the pans.

To prevent sticking, be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly before adding the batter. If you're using a bundt or tube pan, you may want to line the bottom with parchment paper for extra protection. If the cake does stick, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before attempting to remove it from the pan.

Comments

Gary Rivera

02/16/2024 05:48:20 AM

I have been making Jewish Apple Cakes for a long time. This recipe is great as it is, and the cake itself is delicious. However, being an experienced cook, I couldn't resist adding my own twist. I swapped orange juice for apple juice and used a mix of 3/8 cup white sugar and 3/8 cup brown sugar, along with 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon. I also let the apples macerate for 24 to 48 hours.

Catherine Wilson

10/31/2023 07:13:57 AM

First attempt at baking a cake from scratch was a success! I usually stick to making pies and cookies, but decided to try something new with my 10-year-old. We had no problems following the recipe and everyone in my family loved the cake. Will definitely be making it again!