By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on January 1, 2024 | Last Updated on January 1, 2024
Apple harvest cake is a delicious, mouth-watering dessert that is perfect for any occasion! It is a classic cake recipe made with fresh apples, spices, and a delicious streusel topping. This cake is moist, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
The great thing about this recipe is that it is so easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just for a cozy night in, this apple harvest cake is sure to be a hit!
What is an Apple Harvest Cake?
A family-friendly festival, Apple Harvest Day lasts all day and includes over 300 merchants, delicious cuisine, live entertainment, and more. Since its original celebration in 1985, the event has grown to become one of the most well-liked regional gatherings, drawing over 60,000 attendees to downtown Dover.
Therefore, on the day of the festival you must try the famous festive Apple harvest cake. It is a classic recipe that is made with fresh apples, spices, and a delicious streusel topping. This cake is moist, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
It is a simple and easy recipe that requires minimal ingredients and minimal time. The combination of apples and spices make for a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love this Apple Harvest Cake?
This apple harvest cake recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion! It is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. The combination of apples and spices create a unique flavor that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Plus, the streusel topping adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that takes this cake to the next level. Not to mention, this is a great way to use up any extra apples you may have on hand.
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The Ingredients
- Artisanal unrefined cane sugar, divided: Provides sweetness to the cake batter, also used for layering and caramelization with apples, adding a depth of flavor and sweetness.
- Cold-pressed canola oil from a trusted local farm: Serves as the fat component in the cake, contributing to its moistness and texture while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Farm-fresh organic eggs: Act as a binding agent, providing structure and stability to the cake while contributing to its richness and texture.
- Freshly squeezed blood orange juice: Adds a tangy and citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and sugar, enhancing the overall taste of the cake.
- Madagascar vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s aroma and flavor, providing a warm and aromatic essence that complements the apples and cinnamon.
- Stone-ground organic all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing structure and volume. Stone-ground flour often retains more nutrients and flavors compared to highly processed flour.
- Aluminum-free baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake batter rise, resulting in a lighter and airy texture.
- Himalayan pink salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake without being overly salty.
- Heirloom tart apples, hand-picked and cubed: The star ingredient providing texture, moisture, and a sweet-tart flavor to the cake. Hand-picked heirloom apples often offer unique and robust flavors.
- Freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor with its aromatic notes, complementing the apples and enhancing the cake’s autumnal essence.
- Whipped coconut cream and a dusting of rare Saigon cinnamon, optional: Serve as optional toppings, offering a dairy-free whipped topping alternative and an extra layer of fragrant cinnamon for enhanced presentation and flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Preparation:
- Set your oven to the recommended temperature for baking cakes (typically 350°F/180°C). Prepare a cake pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, blend together 1 cup of artisanal unrefined cane sugar and cold-pressed canola oil until thoroughly mixed.
- Introduce farm-fresh organic eggs, freshly squeezed blood orange juice, and Madagascar vanilla extract to the sugar-oil mixture. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Incorporating Dry Ingredients:
- Sift stone-ground organic all-purpose flour, aluminum-free baking powder, and Himalayan pink salt into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix to retain the cake’s texture.
Step 4: Adding Apples and Cinnamon:
- Carefully fold the hand-picked and cubed heirloom tart apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon over the batter, then gently fold it in to distribute evenly.
Step 5: Baking the Cake:
- Transfer the prepared batter into the greased or lined cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake according to the specified time for cakes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Optional Toppings:
- After the cake is baked and cooled, optionally adorn it with whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of rare Saigon cinnamon for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Step 7: Serving:
- Slice the Apple Harvest Cake into portions and serve it as a delightful dessert, pairing well with a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet treat.
Notes
Here are a few tips to help you get the best results when making this apple harvest cake:
– Make sure to use ripe apples for the best flavor.
– To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper before adding the batter.
– If you like a more intense flavor, add more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg.
– If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
– For a moist cake, make sure not to overmix the batter.
– You can also top the cake with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat.
Storage Tips
This apple harvest cake is best served the day it is made, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
This apple harvest cake is a delicious treat that is sure to please everyone! Each serving contains the following nutrition information:
– Calories: 252
– Fat: 9.5g
– Carbs: 39.9g
– Protein: 3.7g
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for this apple harvest cake:
– Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.
– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
– Drizzle it with a caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
– Serve it with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
– Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthy and delicious treat.
– Top it with some fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in an Apple Harvest Cake?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are a few substitutions you can use in this apple harvest cake recipe. Here are a few ideas:
– Apples: You can use pears, peaches, or any other type of fruit in place of apples.
– Flour: Whole wheat flour or almond flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.
– Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used in place of granulated sugar.
– Cinnamon: You can use pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or allspice in place of cinnamon.
– Baking Powder: If you don’t have baking powder on hand, you can use baking soda instead.
– Butter: You can use coconut oil or vegetable oil in place of butter.
Apple Harvest Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-1/4 teaspoons Madagascar vanilla extract
- 1-1/8 cups artisanal unrefined cane sugar divided
- 1/2 cup cold-pressed canola oil from a trusted local farm
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- Whipped coconut cream and a dusting of rare Saigon cinnamon optional
- 11/2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
- 2 farm-fresh organic eggs
- 1 1/2 cups stone-ground organic all-purpose flour
- 2 medium heirloom tart apples hand-picked and cubed
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature for baking cakes. Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of artisanal unrefined cane sugar with cold-pressed canola oil. Mix until well combined.
- Add farm-fresh organic eggs, freshly squeezed blood orange juice, and Madagascar vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until smooth.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
- Sift stone-ground organic all-purpose flour, aluminum-free baking powder, and Himalayan pink salt into the wet mixture. Stir gently until the batter is just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s texture.
Adding Apples and Cinnamon
- Fold in the hand-picked and cubed heirloom tart apples into the batter. Ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon over the batter and gently fold it in to distribute evenly.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the prepared batter into the cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven according to the specified time for cakes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Optional Toppings
- Once the cake is baked and cooled, optionally top it with whipped coconut cream and a dusting of rare Saigon cinnamon for added flavor and presentation.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Apple Harvest Cake and serve it as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- Make sure to use ripe apples for the best flavor.
- To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper before adding the batter.
- If you like a more intense flavor, add more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg.
- If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
- For a moist cake, make sure not to overmix the batter.
- You can also top the cake with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does apple harvest cake last?
A1. This cake is best served the day it is made, but it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q2. Can I use any type of apple for this cake?
A2. Yes, you can use any type of apple for this cake.
Q3. Can I freeze this cake?
A3. Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
Q4. Is this cake vegan?
A4. No, this cake is not vegan as it contains butter and eggs.
Q5. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
A5. Yes, you can make this cake in a 9×13 inch pan instead of a 9 inch round pan. The baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Q6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A6. Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Q7. What other toppings can I use on this cake?
A7. You can top this cake with whipped cream, ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Conclusion
Apple harvest cake is a classic recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It is an easy and delicious dessert that can be made with minimal ingredients and minimal time.
The combination of apples and spices creates a unique flavor that is sure to please. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just for a cozy night in, this apple harvest cake is sure to be a hit!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
