Old Fashioned Apple Spice Cake

This Jewish Apple Cake is an absolute must-have for your fall baking repertoire. It’s a dense, incredibly moist cake, generously studded with cinnamon-sugar coated apples, creating the quintessential autumn dessert! Best of all, this recipe is remarkably simple to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

As the vibrant colors of autumn sweep across the landscape and a crisp, inviting breeze fills the air, there’s an undeniable call to the kitchen. It’s the perfect season for apple picking, for gathering with loved ones, and for indulging in the comforting aromas of homemade baked goods. If you’re looking to embrace the true essence of fall through a truly heartwarming dessert, look no further than this exquisite Jewish Apple Cake. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, a testament to simple elegance, and a treat that embodies pure comfort.

While my kitchen is always buzzing with exciting new dessert creations, there are certain recipes that hold a special, timeless place, transcending seasonal trends to become perennial favorites. This Jewish Apple Cake is one such culinary gem. I’m usually hesitant to label any creation as the “BEST ever” – it often feels like setting an impossibly high bar. However, for this particular cake, I’m making an enthusiastic exception. Its flawless balance of moistness, rich apple flavor, and warm, inviting spices truly makes it stand out from the crowd. Prepare to be utterly amazed; this cake is, without a doubt, the best!

What is Jewish Apple Cake? Delving into its Rich Heritage and Cultural Significance

For those new to this delightful dessert, you might naturally wonder about its unique name and fascinating background. The Jewish Apple Cake, despite its specific moniker, is widely enjoyed and cherished by people of all backgrounds, particularly throughout the vibrant autumn months. Its historical roots trace back centuries to Eastern Europe, specifically Poland, where it blossomed into a beloved culinary tradition. Over time, as Jewish immigrants moved to other parts of the world, this cherished recipe traveled with them, finding a particularly strong and lasting following in regions of the United States, such as Pennsylvania, where it remains a celebrated local specialty.

A distinctive and defining characteristic of this cake, which also informs its “Jewish” designation, is its traditional preparation without any dairy products. This makes it a “parve” dish, meaning it contains neither meat nor dairy, thus making it suitable for consumption alongside or after meat meals in accordance with kosher dietary laws. Consequently, instead of butter, which is common in many other cakes, the Jewish Apple Cake typically uses a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. This oil contributes significantly to the cake’s incredibly moist, dense, and tender texture, which is a hallmark of the authentic recipe. This dairy-free aspect also makes it an excellent and inclusive option for individuals with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or those seeking delicious plant-based dessert alternatives.

Beyond its remarkable culinary attributes, the Jewish Apple Cake holds profound cultural significance. It frequently graces tables during Jewish holidays, most notably Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. During this important holiday, apples, often dipped in honey, symbolize hopes and prayers for a sweet and prosperous new year. Therefore, this apple-rich cake, bursting with natural sweetness and warm spices, becomes an incredibly fitting and festive treat for the occasion. Its deep-rooted history, coupled with its delicious flavor and widespread appeal, makes it far more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished piece of culinary heritage, lovingly shared and enjoyed across generations and cultures.

Why This Jewish Apple Cake Recipe Will Become Your Ultimate Fall Favorite

There are countless compelling reasons why this particular Jewish Apple Cake recipe deserves a prime, perhaps even permanent, spot on your fall baking list and in your heart:

• Celebrates Seasonal Abundance: If you’re an avid apple picker who delights in the crisp sweetness of freshly harvested fall apples, this recipe offers the ultimate and most delicious way to utilize your bounty. It’s thoughtfully designed to let the natural, vibrant flavor of the apples truly shine through in every bite.
• Unrivaled Comfort in Every Slice: The magical combination of warm, tender apples infused with fragrant cinnamon creates an incredibly cozy, comforting, and nostalgic flavor profile. Each mouthful evokes the quintessential feeling of autumn, making it the perfect dessert for chilly evenings, festive family gatherings, or simply a quiet, reflective moment enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
• Perfectly Moist and Dense Texture: Unlike some drier, more crumbly cakes, this Jewish Apple Cake boasts a wonderfully dense yet remarkably moist and tender crumb. This rich, satisfying texture is a hallmark of the traditional recipe, ensuring every mouthful is a truly tender and satisfying experience that practically melts in your mouth.
• Effortless Preparation for All Skill Levels: Don’t let its impressive appearance or gourmet taste intimidate you; this cake is surprisingly straightforward and simple to prepare. With clear, easy-to-follow steps and readily available pantry ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve a stunning, bakery-worthy result. There’s no complicated creaming of butter or intricate techniques involved, just a simple mixing and strategic layering process.
• Remarkably Versatile for Any Time of Day: While undeniably a magnificent and elegant dessert, this cake is also delightful enough to enjoy with your morning coffee or tea. Packed generously with fruit, it seamlessly transitions from an sophisticated after-dinner treat to a satisfying, fruit-filled breakfast indulgence. We certainly won’t judge if you decide to have a slice for both!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Jewish Apple Cake

Creating this magnificent cake requires a straightforward list of common pantry staples, each playing a crucial and specific role in developing its signature flavor, moistness, and delectable texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important:

• Gala Apples: While Gala apples are specified for their balanced sweetness and pleasant firmness, offering a great texture after baking, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties. Honeycrisp offers a lovely crispness, Granny Smith provides a welcome tart counterpoint, and Fuji apples contribute a nice crunch. The key is to choose apples that hold their shape well during baking and offer a good balance of sweet and tart flavors. Peeling and dicing them into small, uniform chunks ensures they cook evenly and integrate beautifully throughout the cake, preventing large, watery pockets.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in two capacities – both to coat the apples, enhancing their sweetness and creating a slight caramelization, and to sweeten the cake batter itself. Granulated sugar provides the necessary sweetness and contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for virtually all apple desserts! Cinnamon infuses the apples and the entire cake with warmth, depth, and that unmistakable cozy fall flavor profile. Always ensure your ground cinnamon is fresh for the best and most aromatic impact; old spices lose their potency.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the primary structural backbone of the cake. All-purpose flour provides the necessary framework, resulting in a tender yet sturdy crumb that can support the generous amount of apples.
• Baking Powder: Our primary chemical leavening agent, baking powder reacts with moisture and heat to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps the cake rise. This gives it a light lift and airy pockets amidst its inherent density.
• Salt: A small but essential pinch of salt is crucial to balance the sweetness of the sugar and apples, enhancing all the other flavors in the cake and making them more vibrant and well-rounded.
• Vegetable Oil: In traditional Jewish Apple Cake recipes, oil judiciously replaces butter. This is key for maintaining the cake’s dairy-free (parve) status and contributes significantly to its exceptional moistness and distinctive dense yet tender texture. Any neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil, will work beautifully without imparting any strong flavors.
• Orange Juice: This often-overlooked secret ingredient adds a subtle, bright, and refreshing citrus note that beautifully complements the sweet apples and warm cinnamon. It also contributes vital moisture to the cake batter, ensuring it remains tender.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic and universally loved flavor enhancer, vanilla extract rounds out the other ingredients, adding a layer of aromatic sweetness and complexity that elevates the overall taste.
• Eggs: Large eggs act as essential binders in the cake batter, providing crucial structure and richness. They help emulsify the mixture and contribute to the cake’s final texture and rise.

My own delightful journey with Jewish Apple Cake began many years ago, all thanks to my wonderful and generous neighbor, Jane. Her version, always lovingly made in a simple loaf pan, was an instant and unforgettable hit with my family. From that very first bite, I was completely smitten and utterly hooked. Ever since, not a single fall season passes without this incredible cake making a cherished appearance in my home kitchen. While Jane traditionally preferred a loaf pan, I’ve personally discovered that a tube pan works absolute wonders for achieving that perfect golden crust, an even bake, and an effortlessly elegant presentation. I highly recommend investing in and using a quality tube pan for this recipe to ensure consistently even baking and the easiest possible removal of your finished masterpiece.

Baking Perfection: Essential Tips for Your Best Jewish Apple Cake Yet

Achieving the perfect Jewish Apple Cake is simpler than you might imagine, and with a few expert insights, your cake is guaranteed to turn out beautifully every single time. Here are some essential cook’s notes and tips to ensure a flawless bake:

• The Importance of Pan Selection: While I consistently favor a tube pan for its classic shape and superior heat distribution, which promotes an even bake, a plain Bundt pan (such as the Nordic Ware Anniversary pan) can also be used effectively. However, I strongly advise against using Bundt pans with overly intricate patterns or very tight crevices. The inherently dense nature of this cake, combined with the generous and plentiful apple chunks, can make it incredibly difficult to remove cleanly from highly detailed molds, potentially compromising its beautiful presentation and leading to frustration. A simpler Bundt design will always ensure an easier release and a stunning, intact final cake.
• Mastering Generous Pan Preparation: To guarantee that your cake releases effortlessly and flawlessly from the pan, it’s absolutely crucial to prepare it meticulously and generously. Liberally spray your chosen tube or Bundt pan with a high-quality nonstick cooking spray that specifically contains flour (popular brands include Baker’s Joy, or you can even create a homemade flour-based spray). Ensure every single crevice, nook, and cranny is thoroughly coated. Alternatively, you can meticulously grease the entire pan with a neutral oil or shortening, then dust it evenly and completely with all-purpose flour, tapping out any excess. This initial step is vital for preventing any sticking whatsoever and preserving the cake’s structural integrity upon removal.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, it’s paramount to mix them only until they are just barely incorporated. Overmixing the batter can lead to the excessive development of gluten in the flour, which will result in a tougher, denser, and less tender cake crumb. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable and will typically bake out smoothly, so resist the urge to keep mixing.
• Strategic Layering for Even Apple Distribution: The instruction to layer the batter and apples in alternating quarters is incredibly important. This careful layering technique ensures that every single slice of the finished cake boasts a wonderful, harmonious balance of moist cake and tender, cinnamon-spiced apple chunks. This also prevents all the apple pieces from sinking to the bottom of the pan during baking, which can lead to an unevenly textured cake.
• Patience During the Cooling Process: It can be tempting, but resist the urge to unmold the cake while it is still hot or even warm. Allowing the cake to cool completely to room temperature within the pan, typically on a wire rack, is an absolutely crucial step. This extended cooling time allows the cake’s structure to fully set and firm up properly, significantly preventing it from crumbling or breaking apart when it is eventually inverted and removed from the pan. Once thoroughly cool, it should release easily with just a gentle shake.
• Experiment with Apple Varieties: While Gala apples are an excellent and reliable choice, don’t hesitate to unleash your inner chef and experiment with a thoughtful mix of both sweet and tart apple varieties for a more complex and nuanced flavor profile. For instance, incorporating some Granny Smith apples will add a lovely, bright tang that beautifully cuts through the cake’s sweetness, creating a more dynamic taste experience.
• Elevate with Orange Zest: For an extra burst of vibrant citrus aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the apples and cinnamon, consider adding one teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the cake batter along with the orange juice. This simple addition can significantly elevate the subtle orange notes and add an extra layer of brightness to your cake.
• Proper Storage for Freshness: To keep your Jewish Apple Cake at its peak deliciousness, store it tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer preservation, this cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

This wonderfully cozy fall cake, with its delightful density and moist interior, is truly brimming with succulent apples generously coated in aromatic cinnamon sugar. It’s an incredibly versatile treat – absolutely perfect as a satisfying dessert after a memorable family meal, or, dare I say, an absolutely wonderful and indulgent companion to your morning coffee or a soothing cup of tea. After all, it’s generously packed with wholesome fruit, and who can possibly argue with enjoying fruit for breakfast?

I sincerely hope that you’ll make ample room for this incredible Jewish Apple Cake on your fall baking agenda this season. I have no doubt whatsoever that you and your loved ones will adore its comforting flavors and delightful texture. Enjoy every single, delicious bite!

If you’re still craving more irresistible autumnal treats to fill your home with wonderful aromas, here are a few other fall favorites directly from my kitchen that you might love:

• Apple Pie Spice Drop Cookies: These soft, spiced cookies capture all the delicious essence of apple pie in a bite-sized treat.
• Cinnamon Sugared Pumpkin Fritters: Light, airy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar, these fritters are a perfect pumpkin indulgence.
• Chai Spiced Pound Cake with Brown Butter Glaze: A fragrant pound cake infused with exotic chai spices, topped with a rich, nutty brown butter glaze.

More Irresistible Fall Desserts to Explore and Enjoy

The autumn season offers a glorious bounty of fresh ingredients that are simply perfect for baking. If you’ve completely fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this Jewish Apple Cake, you might also find immense joy in creating these other delightful, fall-inspired desserts:

• Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting: A tender, delicately spiced cake made with applesauce, then crowned with a creamy, fragrant vanilla bean frosting for an exquisite finish.
• Pumpkin Crumb Snack Cake: A wonderfully moist pumpkin cake featuring a generous, buttery streusel topping, making it absolutely perfect for an afternoon treat or a casual dessert.
• Mini Pumpkin Praline Upside Down Cakes: These charming individual servings offer a delightful combination of caramelized pumpkin goodness beneath a crunchy, sweet praline topping – a true autumn delight.

Authentic Jewish Apple Cake Recipe

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Yields: 16 generous servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

This Jewish Apple Cake is an absolute must for your fall baking list. It’s a dense, moist cake that’s loaded with cinnamon sugar-coated apples that make for the perfect fall dessert! And the recipe is super easy too!

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 1/2 cups Gala apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small chunks (approx. 4-5 medium apples)

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 10-inch tube pan with a nonstick cooking spray that contains flour. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/3 cup granulated sugar and two teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Add the peeled, cored, and diced apple chunks to this bowl. Toss the apples thoroughly until each piece is well-coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the cake batter.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until these dry ingredients are evenly combined. Set aside.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups granulated sugar, vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients mixture to the dry flour mixture, stirring gently until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
6. Incorporate the eggs into the batter one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition until just blended. This helps maintain a tender crumb.
7. Now, it’s time to layer your cake! Pour approximately one-quarter of the cake batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared tube pan. Evenly spread about one-third of the cinnamon-sugar coated apple chunks over this first layer of batter.
8. Repeat the layering process two more times: add another quarter of the batter, followed by another third of the apples.
9. Finish by pouring the remaining quarter of the batter on top, creating a final, smooth layer over the apples.
10. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. In my oven, it was perfectly baked in exactly 1 hour.
11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature while still in the tube pan. This crucial cooling time allows the cake to set its structure properly and prevents it from crumbling when inverted.
12. When the cake is fully cooled, carefully remove it from the tube pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Slice and enjoy this delicious autumn treat!

Cook’s Notes & Expert Tips

• Pan Choice for Best Results: While a tube pan is highly recommended for its even baking and traditional shape, a plain Bundt pan (such as the Nordic Ware Anniversary pan) can also be successfully used. For optimal results, avoid Bundt pans with intricate patterns, as the dense cake and plentiful apples can make removal challenging.
• Ensuring Easy Cake Removal: To guarantee your cake releases cleanly and effortlessly, always generously coat your tube or Bundt pan with a nonstick cooking spray that contains flour (e.g., Baker’s Joy), or grease and flour the pan meticulously.
• Apple Variety Alternatives: Don’t hesitate to experiment with a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith, for a more complex and balanced flavor profile.
• Storage Recommendations: Store the cooled Jewish Apple Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, the cake freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 351 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg
• Sodium: 139 mg
• Potassium: 184 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 33 g
• Vitamin A: 97 IU
• Vitamin C: 4 mg
• Calcium: 59 mg
• Iron: 1 mg

Keyword: apple dessert, cake with apples, apple cake recipe, Jewish apple cake, fall baking, moist cake, easy recipe

Cuisine: Jewish, American

Course: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack