Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Apple Cake is a moist and tender recipe, which is made with fresh Granny Smith apples and apple butter. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe for fall, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Apple Cake Ingredients
A simple, wholesome mix for a perfect autumn cake.
- Non-stick baking spray (with flour)
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup apple butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 2 small Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How To Make Pioneer Woman Apple Cake
A step-by-step guide to this wonderfully simple and flavorful cake.
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line the bottom with a round of parchment paper.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, apple butter, melted butter, and vanilla until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Add Apples: Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda to the bowl. Whisk gently until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined—be careful not to overmix. Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans.
- Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it in an even layer. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack, peel off the parchment paper, and let it cool completely, about 1 hour. Just before serving, dust the top of the cake lightly with powdered sugar.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly textured apple cake.
- What are the best apples for baking? Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice for this cake. Their firm texture holds up well during baking without turning to mush, and their tartness provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar and apple butter.
- How to get the most flavor from the pecans? Toasting the pecans before chopping and adding them to the batter is a quick step that makes a huge difference. It deepens their nutty flavor and enhances their crunch.
- Can I use a different pan? Yes, this cake can also be baked in an 8×8-inch square pan. The baking time should be similar, but it’s always a good idea to start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
- Why use apple butter in the cake? Apple butter adds an intense, concentrated apple flavor and a wonderful moisture to the cake, making it extra tender and delicious.
What To Serve With Apple Cake
Simple accompaniments that elevate this rustic fall dessert.
This moist apple cake is delightful on its own, but it’s even better when served warm with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A cup of hot apple cider or a spiced tea
How To Store Apple Cake
Keeping your cake fresh and moist.
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days.
Pioneer Woman Apple Cake Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 15 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is a great make-ahead option. You can bake it a day in advance, let it cool completely, and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors often meld and taste even better the next day.
Can I add a frosting or glaze?
While a simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, this cake would be delicious with a simple caramel glaze or a light cream cheese frosting if you want a more decadent dessert.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely. Toasted walnuts would be a fantastic substitute for the pecans in this recipe, offering a slightly different but equally delicious nutty flavor.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Peach and Brown Sugar Icebox Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Strawberry Icebox Cake Recipe
Pioneer Woman Apple Cake Recipe
Description
A wonderfully moist and tender single-layer apple cake, packed with chunks of fresh apple, toasted pecans, and warm spices for the perfect rustic fall dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch round pan with baking spray and a parchment paper lining.
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, apple butter, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda to the bowl and whisk until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eToasting the pecans before adding them to the batter deeply enhances their flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUse a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith to ensure the apple pieces hold their shape and balance the sweetness.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eBe careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.u003c/liu003e
