This apple cake recipe is a family favorite that’s packed with flavor. It’s moist, dense, and perfectly balanced with chunks of sweet apples and a rich caramel-like frosting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just want a cozy dessert, this cake is sure to impress with every bite!
What You Will Need to Make this Apple Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Apple Cake
For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- Stir in the flour and baking soda.
- Add the vanilla, pecans, and chopped apples to the batter. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 2 hours before adding the frosting.
For the Frosting:
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Place the saucepan in a bowl of ice water and beat the frosting until it thickens to a spreading consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
This is my favorite cake! After trying many apple cakes over the years, this one stands out as the winner. It's incredibly moist, dense, and has a rich caramel flavor. Words can't do it justice—you just have to try it!
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
3 cups peeled and chopped apples
- For the Frosting:
½ cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup evaporated milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- Stir in the flour and baking soda.
- Add the vanilla, pecans, and chopped apples to the batter. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 2 hours before adding the frosting.
- For the Frosting:
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Place the saucepan in a bowl of ice water and beat the frosting until it thickens to a spreading consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Enjoy this moist and caramel-rich delight with friends and family!