This old fashioned apple cake is one of my favorite family heirloom recipes. Specifically because it’s an old fashioned raw apple cake, which means it uses fresh apples. Often times, recipes will call for apple pie filling or cooked apples, but not this one. This recipe is handed down from my grandmother’s sister, Rose. And it is an absolute joy to make and to eat!
Please note that you cannot use pre-cooked apples or canned apples with this recipe. The batter is created to be extremely thick because in fresh apple cake recipes, it takes into account that the apples will release a lot of liquid.
Now, let’s get onto the recipe!
Aunt Rose’s Apple Cake
I promise not to bore you with a long story about this cake, but I do want to share about it because it’s important to me. And also, because I know family members read my blog posts!
This recipe was shared with me by my cousin, Beth, who’s mother, Rose, was my grandmother’s sister. Unfortunately she passed away far too early in her life. But my mother often reminds me that she just loved me when I was a baby. And that I would smile and smile at her all the time.
I can remember, as a child, staring at her photo in my grandma’s bedroom. I wish I had a copy of it to show you. She had jet black hair and ruby red lips as a young woman in the photo. And I often remember thinking of just how beautiful she seemed inside and outside, all from one simple photo.
So when my cousin, Beth, sent me this recipe of her mother’s, I had to try it. And it absolutely didn’t disappoint. One day I hope to put together a cook book of family recipes. Those of you who have followed me for years know that I once started, but have never had the time to finish. One day, though. One day!
Old Fashioned Raw Apple Cake Recipe
Be sure to make this recipe exactly as it states. The batter will seem extremely thick, but that’s normal for a fresh raw apple cake. You can certainly play around with the recipe by adding nuts, or even caramel. Otherwise, don’t mess with the batter measurements.
3 cups apples, shredded or finely diced
3 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups oil (or melted butter, unsalted)
2 eggs
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease (with butter) a bundt cake pan or 13×9-inch pan.
- Mix apples and flour together, coating all of the apple pieces.
- Add remaining ingredients and combine well. Batter will be very thick.
- Pour batter into prepared cake pan. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Top should be golden brown but still soft.
- Store in an airtight container or covered cake dish for up to 3-4 days.
Other Posts You May Enjoy:
- Easy Blueberry Cobbler with Fresh Blueberries
- Easy Sourdough Pie Crust
- Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls (Long-fermented)
- Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
- Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- How to Make White Pumpkin Pie
- Homemade Chai Tea Mix
- Apple Pie Popsicles
- Apple Pull Apart Bread Using Canned Apples
- Sourdough Apple Bread with Fresh Apples
Old Fashioned Apple Cake with Fresh Apples
This old fashioned apple cake made with fresh apples is a crowd pleaser in your family and during the holidays. Make sure you add this to your list of baked goods to make this autumn!
Ingredients
- 3 cups apples, shredded or finely diced
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cups oil (or melted butter, unsalted)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease (with butter) a bundt cake pan or 13x9-inch pan.
- Mix apples and flour together, coating all of the apple pieces.
- Add remaining ingredients and combine well. Batter will be very thick.
- Pour batter into prepared cake pan. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Top should be golden brown but still soft.
- Store in an airtight container or covered cake dish for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
Batter will be extremely thick, which is completely normal. Don't add any liquid, though it will be tempting to! The raw apples release a lot of liquid and create a yummy cake.
Nora says
I have made a fresh apple cake like this for years. I always made mine in loaf pans to share. They are a Christmas tradition in our home. The smell reminds me of Christmas. I like to add raisins and walnuts, too.
Thanks for your interest in traditional cooking, etc.