Old Fashioned Apple Cake

This Old Fashioned Apple Cake tastes like fall! A simple cinnamon cake studded with diced honeycrisp apples is served with a warm vanilla butter sauce. Yields 8 to 12 servings.

Nothing says fall like an Old Fashioned Apple Cake!

I adore cake. And what I adore even more is a cake that is baked in a single pan and doesn’t require frosting. In this cozy fall cake, honeycrisp apples stud a simple yet scrumptious cinnamon cake and is served with a warm vanilla butter sauce. You could also serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream and then drizzle the butter sauce over top.

Either way, it’s to die for.

To Make This Old Fashioned Apple Cake You Will Need:

for the cake:

• unbleached all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the cake.
• baking soda – Creates a gas while baking which helps the cake rise.
• cinnamon (ground) – Lends distinct warm and woodsy flavor.
• fine salt – Use either sea salt or pink himalayan.
• granulated sugar (white) – Adds sweetness and flavor.
• unsweetened apple sauce – Adds moisture without added fat.
• extra light olive oil – Or another neutral flavorless oil meant for baking.
• eggs – Adds richness and flavor.
• pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances all of the other flavors in this recipe.
• honeycrisp apples – A balanced mix of honey-like sweetness and mild tartness. Or use Granny Smith, pink lady or Jonagold.

for the butter sauce:

• unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor and is the base of the sauce.
• light brown sugar – Lends sweetness, subtle caramel-like flavor and gives the brownies a fudgy texture.
• heavy cream – Adds richness and creaminess.
• vanilla bean paste – Or substitute with pure vanilla extract.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 180°C).

Grease a 9×13 or 2-quart oven-safe baking dish.

In a bowl, measure and add 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon fine salt.

Whisk to combine.

In a separate bowl, preferably with a spout, measure and add 1½ cups granulated white sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup extra light olive oil, 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.

Whisk well to combine.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.

Switch over to a rubber spatula and mix until just about combined.

Lastly add in 4 cups diced honeycrisp apples (or use Granny Smith, pink lady or jonagold).

Then gently fold to combine.

Transfer to the prepared pan and bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the middle is set. A tester/toothpick should come back clean after inserted into the middle.

Remove and let cool slightly.

Make The Vanilla Butter Sauce:

In a skillet, add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and heat over medium low.

Once melted, measure and add 3/4 cup light brown sugar.

Whisk while the sugar melts into the butter. It will be separated at first but will eventually come together.

Once combined, whisk in 1/3 cup heavy cream.

Lastly, remove off of the heat and add in 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract.

Stir to combine.

NOTE: The warmer the sauce the thinner it will be and will thicken as it cools.

Serve the slightly warm cake with the vanilla butter sauce.

Alternatively, you could also serve this with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream and then drizzle the butter sauce over top.

Click Here For More Apple Recipes!

And check out my other Old Fashioned recipes here!

Enjoy! And if you give this Old Fashioned Apple Cake recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!