Paula Deen's Fresh Apple Cake

Indulge in the cozy, homemade flavors of Paula Deen's Fresh Apple Cake—a moist, spiced cake loaded with tender chunks of Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans. This Southern classic brings together pantry staples like cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and decadent. Topped with a warm, buttery caramel glaze, this apple cake is a showstopper perfect for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or a comforting weeknight treat. Ready in just two hours and serving up to 12, it’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Perfect for apple lovers, this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups Vegetable oil
• 3 pieces Large eggs
• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Chopped pecans
• 3 cups Chopped Granny Smith apples (peeled and cored)
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup Milk
• 0.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6

Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and chopped Granny Smith apples. Fold gently to ensure the apples and nuts are evenly distributed.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes (80 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Step 10

Let the glaze boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 11

When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 12

Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack or serving platter, then pour the warm glaze evenly over the top of the cake.

Step 13

Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2328.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7709.8

Total Fat 439.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 201.6g
Cholesterol 625.5mg	0%
Sodium 2731.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 941.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.1g	0%
Total Sugars 621.6g
Protein 70.1g	0%

Vitamin D 146.8IU	0%
Calcium 485.7mg	0%
Iron 24.5mg	0%
Potassium 2144.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 3.5%

Carbs: 47.1%