Moist Paula Deen Apple Cake Recipe

Cozy Paula Deen Apple Cake Recipe Idea for Fall

Paula Deen apple cake bursts with Southern charm and homespun comfort, promising a dessert that transcends ordinary baking.

Fragrant cinnamon and sweet orchard fruits weave magic through each delectable slice.

Rustic ingredients mingle effortlessly, creating layers of nostalgic flavor that dance on your palate.

Family recipes carry memories in every tender crumb, telling stories of shared kitchen moments.

Warm spices and caramelized apple essence transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Generations of bakers have perfected this delightful treat, blending tradition with irresistible sweetness.

One bite promises to whisk you straight to a cozy kitchen filled with love and deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 11

Storage and Freezing Tips for Apple Cake

  • Preserve Fresh Flavor: Store this apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping its moist texture and delightful taste intact.
  • Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: When wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in a sealed container, the cake can last up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delectable qualities.
  • Freeze for Future Treats: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake stays fresh for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and savor whenever a sweet craving hits.
  • Revive Refrigerated Slices: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore its soft, comforting texture.

Everything in Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

For Cake Base:
  • Sugar: Select fine-granulated for smooth texture and even sweetness.
  • Eggs: Choose fresh, room-temperature eggs for better incorporation.
  • Vegetable Oil: Pick a neutral-flavored oil for light, moist results.
  • Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed for vibrant, natural citrus notes.
  • Flour: Opt for all-purpose flour for consistent cake structure.
  • Baking Soda: Ensure fresh, active leavening agent for proper rise.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Cinnamon: Select ground cinnamon for warm, aromatic undertones.
  • Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla for rich, authentic flavor.
For Textural Mix-Ins:
  • Chopped Apples, Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Select crisp apples, unsweetened coconut, and fresh pecans for maximum crunch and flavor contrast.
For Decadent Sauce:
  • Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for clean, rich taste.
  • Sugar: Select granulated sugar for smooth sauce consistency.
  • Buttermilk: Choose full-fat buttermilk for creamy, tangy sauce.
  • Baking Soda: Ensure fresh, active baking soda for proper sauce chemistry.

Tools You’ll Need for Paula Deen’s Apple Cake Recipe

  • Tube pan: Large, round baking pan with a hollow center perfect for even cake baking.
  • Mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential tool for blending batter to silky perfection.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
  • Large saucepan: Ideal for creating the decadent sauce.
  • Skewer or toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottom.
  • Oven: Needed to bake cake at consistent temperature.
  • Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and scrape batter evenly.
  • Stovetop: Required for preparing the hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Apple Cake Instructions

Step-by-Step Apple Cake Instructions
  • Prepare Baking Space

Create a cozy baking environment by buttering a tube pan and preheating the oven to a warm 325°F. This sets the stage for a delightful cake adventure.

  • Mix Magical Batter

Combine your cake ingredients in a large bowl, whisking everything into a silky-smooth blend. The key is to mix until the batter looks completely uniform and inviting, with no lumps hiding anywhere.

  • Sprinkle in Delightful Extras

Gently fold in chopped apples, coconut, and pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. These tasty additions will create pockets of surprise in every slice.

  • Bake and Transform

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake until a skewer comes out clean, typically around 1.5 hours. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that signals cake perfection is near.

  • Create Luscious Sauce

Whip up a decadent sauce by melting butter, adding sugar, buttermilk, and baking soda. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly for one magical minute that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

  • Drench and Soak

The moment the cake emerges from the oven, drench it with the hot sauce. Pour evenly across the surface, allowing the liquid to seep into every delectable layer. Let the cake rest and absorb all that sweet goodness for an hour.

  • Serve with Love

Carefully transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, slice and serve. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with a cloud of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts ever so gently on the warm cake.

Pro Tips and Substitutions for Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for unique textures and flavors that complement the apple’s sweetness.

Replace apples with pears or ripe bananas to create a completely different cake experience that keeps the recipe exciting and adaptable.

Substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a delicious gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy without compromising taste.

Add ground ginger or nutmeg alongside cinnamon to intensify the warm, aromatic notes and create a more complex flavor depth in your cake.

How to Serve Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Complement the rich, spiced cake with a smooth scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, silky texture creates a delightful contrast to the warm, moist cake.
  • Elevate with Beverage Buddies: Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot coffee or a fragrant cup of chai tea. These warm drinks beautifully enhance the cake's aromatic cinnamon and apple notes.
  • Create Elegant Presentation: Dust the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. Arrange slices on vintage plates or rustic wooden boards to add a touch of charm and sophistication to your dessert experience.
  • Transform into Breakfast Delight: Enjoy a slice for a decadent morning treat, paired with a side of fresh fruit or a morning smoothie for a balanced start to your day.
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Moist Paula Deen Apple Cake Recipe

Moist Paula Deen Apple Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Paula Deen’s apple cake blends Southern comfort with sweet, spiced charm. Warm cinnamon and tender apples create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (700 ml/375 g) all purpose flour
  • 3 cups (700 ml/450 g) peeled and finely chopped apples
  • 3 cups (700 ml) sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded coconut
  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 115 g) butter
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice
  • 1 ½ tsps baking soda
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Lavishly grease a tube pan with butter or non-stick spray. Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 325°F / 165°C.
  2. Batter Creation: Whisk granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
  3. Ingredient Integration: Gently fold chopped apples, shredded coconut, and pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
  4. Initial Baking: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface for uniform baking. Place in preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes, rotating midway through cooking.
  5. Doneness Check: Verify cake completion by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
  6. Sauce Preparation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar, buttermilk, and baking soda, stirring until reaching a vigorous boil.
  7. Sauce Finishing: Maintain boiling for exactly one minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure a silky smooth texture.
  8. Sauce Application: Immediately after removing cake from oven, drench the entire surface with the scalding sauce, allowing it to penetrate thoroughly.
  9. Resting and Cooling: Let the cake rest undisturbed for one hour, enabling the sauce to infuse deeply. Invert onto a wire rack and cool completely before serving at room temperature, optionally accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Generously coat tube pan with butter or non-stick spray to guarantee easy cake removal and prevent stubborn sticking.
  • Mixing Mastery: Whisk ingredients thoroughly until batter becomes completely smooth, eliminating any potential flour lumps for a more consistent texture.
  • Fold Gently: When adding apples, coconut, and pecans, use a light folding technique to maintain the batter’s airiness and prevent deflating the mixture.
  • Sauce Precision: Watch the caramel sauce carefully during boiling, stirring continuously for exactly one minute to achieve the perfect rich, smooth consistency without burning.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 62 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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