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Chunky Apple Cake

Name: Chunky Apple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 15 servings.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 6 cups chopped peeled tart apples; BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE:; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

122 reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 40 min. + cooling

Makes

15 servings

Updated: Dec. 20, 2022

After taste testing lots of apple cakes, I've found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6 cups chopped peeled tart apples
BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well (batter will be stiff). Stir in apples until well combined.
Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until top is lightly browned and springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 30 minutes before serving.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat until butter is melted. Gradually add cream. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Serve with cake.

Apple Cake Tips

What kind of apples can you use to make this apple cake recipe?

Granny Smith are a super classic choice for most desserts because they hold up nicely when baked, and they’re easy to find year-round. However, if you’re worried about Granny Smith being too tart, you can always mix them with a sweeter apple variety or go for a Braeburn instead! Check out more of the best apples for apple pie and other apple bakes.

Should you use light or dark brown sugar to make the sauce for this apple cake recipe?

Light and dark brown sugar are generally interchangeable in most recipes, but if you want a little bit bolder of a flavor, go for dark.

What else can you serve with apple cake?

Serve this apple cake recipe a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! You could also switch it up with different ice cream flavors such as caramel or butter pecan. If you want to level up your dessert, a dollop of bourbon whipped cream would do the trick, too! If you loved this apple cake recipe, check out more of our easy apple desserts for fall.

—Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece with 1 tablespoon sauce: 339 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.