Adam's Apple Cake Recipe

Name: Adam's Apple Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 145 min
Ingredients: cooking spray; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups white sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 1.25 cups vegetable oil; 3 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 apples - peeled, cored and chopped

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 12 servings.

Cooking spray
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
teaspoon baking soda
1 cups vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Add the oil-egg mixture to the dry flour-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 487
Total Fat: 24g (31% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 4g (20% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 47mg (16% Daily Value)
Sodium: 265mg (12% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 64g (23% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 38g
Protein: 5g (10% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium: 17mg (1% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
Potassium: 102mg (2% Daily Value)

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

History of Adam's Apple Cake

The origins of Adam's Apple Cake remain somewhat mysterious, though it is widely considered to be a part of the American dessert tradition. Apple cakes have long been a favorite in many cultures, especially in the United States, where apples are plentiful. This particular recipe, named after a beloved family member, Adam, was likely passed down through generations. With its simplicity and use of fresh apples, it evokes the warm, comforting feeling of home-baked goodness. Many variations of apple cakes have been enjoyed throughout the years, from Jewish apple cakes to spiced versions popular during the fall harvest season.

Regional Characteristics

Apple cakes are especially popular in regions where apples are grown abundantly, such as the Northeastern United States and parts of the Midwest. Adam's Apple Cake, like many American desserts, reflects the rustic, homey qualities of American baking. It combines simple ingredients that are accessible to most, like flour, sugar, and eggs, with the rich, seasonal flavor of apples. While it is beloved across the country, variations may include the addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts, depending on local preferences. In some parts of the country, it might be topped with a crumbly streusel or a glaze, adding a little extra sweetness to the cake.

How Adam's Apple Cake Differs from Similar Dishes

While many apple cakes exist in various forms, Adam's Apple Cake stands out because of its dense, moist texture and the generous use of apples. Unlike other apple cakes that may have a more cake-like or airy consistency, this recipe yields a thick batter that results in a denser, almost bread-like cake. This makes it a heartier dessert, perfect for serving with coffee or as a breakfast treat. Additionally, some recipes for apple cakes use a variety of fillings, frostings, or crumbles, but Adam's Apple Cake maintains a simplicity that lets the apples shine. Its simplicity is one of its charms, focusing on the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the oil used in the batter.

Where to Serve Adam's Apple Cake

Adam's Apple Cake is a versatile treat that can be served in various settings. Its commonly enjoyed during the fall when apples are in season, making it a perfect dessert for harvest festivals or Thanksgiving dinners. Its also great for casual gatherings, like brunches or coffee mornings, where its hearty texture pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent experience, it can be served as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. In some regions, it is also served as a breakfast cake, thanks to its more substantial, almost bread-like texture.

Interesting Facts About Apple Cake

Apple cakes have been a part of traditional American baking since the early 19th century, with many family recipes being handed down over generations.
In addition to its delicious flavor, apple cake is often associated with autumn, symbolizing the harvest season when apples are freshly picked and abundant.
Apple cakes can be made with various types of apples, each contributing a different flavor. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples.
Many modern apple cake recipes, like Adam's Apple Cake, include alternative ingredients such as walnuts or raisins to add texture and depth of flavor.
Apple cakes are not just popular in the U.S. in Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, apple cakes like "Apfelkuchen" are staples of regional cuisine.

FAQ about Adam's Apple Cake Recipe

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with other neutral oils such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or even melted butter for a slightly richer flavor.

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for the all-purpose flour. However, the texture may be slightly different, so make sure to follow the tips for gluten-free baking, like allowing the batter to sit for a few minutes before baking.

The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for several hours or overnight.

This cake batter is intentionally thick due to the large amount of apples added. If you find it too crumbly, you can add a little bit of milk or apple juice to loosen it up and help the batter come together.

Yes, you can add walnuts, pecans, raisins, or even dried cranberries to the batter for added flavor and texture. Just fold them in along with the apples.

If you don't have a 9x13-inch pan, you can use a smaller pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan will result in a thicker cake, which might need a little longer to bake.

Yes, if you need an egg substitute, you can use applesauce (about 1/4 cup per egg), mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer.

Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the type of pan used. If the cake is not done after an hour, test with a toothpick and continue baking in 5-minute increments until it comes out clean.

The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.

Comments

Patricia Diaz

10/04/2023 09:56:59 PM

This cake turned out to be absolutely delightful! I followed the recipe closely, except for using butter instead of oil and adding about half a cup of milk, plus some nutmeg because I adore its flavor. My batter didn't resemble the one in the video at all; it was very sticky, and the apples overpowered it quickly. Despite not having a 9x13 pan, I baked it in a 9x7 dish. After 70 minutes, it emerged perfectly cooked, three inches tall, beautifully browned, and pleasantly dense - more like a bread than a cake, which was a pleasant surprise. I will certainly be making this recipe again and wouldn't change a thing about it! Both my husband and I enjoyed it very much. I'm even considering adding cranberries or raspberries next time for some extra zest. I sprinkled a brown sugar and cinnamon topping over the cake around the half-hour mark and covered it with foil for the last 20 minutes of baking. I highly recommend trying this cake out for yourself. Just remember not to compare your results to the video, as differences in ingredients may have influenced the texture. Personal modifications aside, I rate this recipe 5 stars because we truly loved it, and my adjustments were out of necessity rather than preference.

Karen Adams

12/01/2023 03:08:05 AM

This recipe is extremely simple to follow. I'm thankful to a previous reviewer for pointing out that the batter is quite thick. I found myself adding around 1/2 cup of milk to ensure all the flour was well moistened. The end result was wonderfully tender and moist! It disappeared before I could even snap a picture of it!

John Thompson

06/28/2023 05:34:23 AM

I have a question. In the video, they mention using 3/4 cup of oil, but the ingredient list states 1 & 1/2 cups. Has anyone experimented with using just 3/4 cup of oil instead of the 1 & 1/2 cups? I am interested in trying this recipe, but I am unsure about the amount of oil. Thank you!