We’ve always been huge fans of our Apple Hill Cake recipe, a cozy fall favorite that celebrates crisp apples and warm spices in every bite. It’s the ultimate way to bring orchard-fresh flavors into your kitchen, perfect for gatherings or a simple treat.
Hailing from the apple-rich hills of California, this cake draws on seasonal traditions that make it irresistibly comforting. We’ve simplified it so you can whip up a slice of harvest magic without fuss.
Whether you’re craving something sweet or want to impress guests, our take on this classic ensures delicious results every time.
Ingredients
As we dive into our Apple Hill Cake recipe—a cozy fall favorite packed with fresh apples and warm spices—we begin with the essential ingredients that bring this seasonal delight to life. We’ve curated this list in the order of use, ensuring each item is prepared just right for optimal flavor and texture.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to ensure a light, airy base for our cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Fresh for reliable rise and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the warm spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A key spice that adds that signature Apple Hill warmth and aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Grated fresh for a subtle, earthy note that complements the apples.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Measured precisely for the perfect sweetness without overwhelming the fresh fruit.
- 2 large eggs: At room temperature to promote even mixing and a moist result.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Or melted butter for added richness and easy blending.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure variety for authentic flavor depth in our batter.
Add-Ins and Fresh Components
- 3 cups fresh apples: Peeled, cored, and diced—we recommend crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji from Apple Hill for their tart-sweet bite and juicy texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)*: Toasted lightly for extra crunch and nutty contrast that elevates the cake’s appeal.
This selection ensures our Apple Hill Cake delivers a symphony of crisp apple flavors and spicy warmth, making it an irresistible treat for any gathering.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into preparing our Apple Hill Cake, let’s ensure we have the right tools on hand. This equipment helps streamline the process from mixing ingredients to baking and cooling, ensuring a perfect outcome every time.
- Mixing bowls: We recommend two medium-sized bowls—one for combining dry ingredients like flour and spices, and another for wet ingredients such as eggs and oil.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success, so use a set of dry measuring cups (for flour and sugar) and liquid measuring cups (for oil), along with a spoon set for smaller quantities.
- Whisk or electric mixer: A whisk works well for blending batter smoothly, but if we want to save time, an electric mixer ensures even incorporation of ingredients for that fluffy texture.
- Spatula: Essential for folding in apples and nuts without deflating the batter, opt for a silicone spatula that’s heat-resistant and flexible.
- Baking pan: A 9×13-inch rectangular pan is ideal for our Apple Hill Cake to achieve even baking and that golden crust; grease it lightly for easy release.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) as specified—reliable temperature control is crucial for the cake’s moist interior and spiced aroma.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping fresh apples, use a sturdy board and sharp knife to chop them into even pieces, enhancing the cake’s crisp apple flavors.
- Cooling rack: Though optional, this allows our cake to cool evenly and prevents sogginess, preserving the warm spices’ essence.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our irresistible Apple Hill Cake, transforming fresh apples and warm spices into a moist, flavorful treat that captures the essence of fall. Let’s follow these straightforward steps to achieve bakery-quality results.
Prep
First, we preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) for even baking. While the oven heats, we prepare the apples by washing, peeling, and chopping 4 medium Granny Smith apples into 1/2-inch cubes on a cutting board—aim for about 4 cups to ensure a juicy, crisp texture that shines in every bite.
Mix the Batter
In one medium mixing bowl, we whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg until well combined, creating a fragrant base that amplifies the cake’s spicy warmth. In a second bowl, we beat 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar with 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract using a whisk or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually, we fold the dry mixture into the wet one with a silicone spatula, then gently stir in the chopped apples and 1/2 cup of optional chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch, resulting in a batter that’s thick, aromatic, and bursting with fresh apple flavor.
Bake
We pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with the spatula for uniform rising. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and spices that signals a perfectly golden, tender cake.
Cool and Assemble
Once baked, we remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes to set its structure and enhance the moist crumb. For serving, we cut the cake into squares and optionally dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, allowing the flavors to meld and deliver a delightful contrast of soft texture and spiced apple goodness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our Apple Hill Cake is its flexibility for busy schedules, allowing us to prepare it in advance without sacrificing that fresh-baked aroma of warm spices and crisp apples. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply planning ahead, these steps ensure the cake remains moist and flavorful.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping the components of our Apple Hill Cake up to 24 hours in advance to streamline baking day. First, wash, peel, and chop the apples into ½-inch cubes, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crunch. Next, measure and mix the dry ingredients—all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg—in a medium bowl, covering it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. For the wet ingredients, combine granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl, but hold off on mixing them with the dry ingredients until you’re ready to bake, as the batter can lose its rise if it sits too long.
Assembling and Baking in Advance
If time is limited, we can assemble the full batter ahead and bake it later. Start by fully preparing the batter as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, folding in the chopped apples and optional nuts like walnuts or pecans. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for up to 12 hours—this helps the flavors meld, enhancing the spicy warmth of the cinnamon and nutmeg. When you’re ready to bake, let the batter sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and proceed with baking at 350°F (177°C) as directed. Pro Tip: Refrigerating the batter intensifies the apple flavors, making each bite even more irresistible.
Storing the Baked Cake
Our Apple Hill Cake stores beautifully, allowing us to enjoy its tender crumb and sweet-spicy profile days later. After baking and cooling the cake completely on a rack, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For short-term storage, keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer hold, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months—simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
To preserve texture and flavors, we suggest the following storage guidelines in this table:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Store in a cool, dry place; cover to prevent drying. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Wrap individually for easy access; reheat in microwave for 10-15 seconds. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe bags; avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain moisture. |
Reheating and Serving Tips
To bring back the cake’s fresh-from-the-oven appeal, we can reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm. Always dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze just before serving to enhance its visual allure and complement the tart apple notes. With these Make-Ahead Instructions, our Apple Hill Cake stays a go-to treat for effortless entertaining.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Apple Hill Cake recipe with us. It’s more than a simple bake—it’s a way to capture fall’s essence and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Baking this cake brings joy and confidence to your kitchen, proving that timeless flavors can fit any schedule. Give it a try and make it your go-to treat—we know you’ll love the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Apple Hill Cake?
Apple Hill Cake is a cozy fall dessert from California’s apple orchards, featuring fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a simple, seasonal treat that’s perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful mix of crisp apples and spicy flavors in an easy-to-bake recipe.
What ingredients are needed for Apple Hill Cake?
You’ll need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; wet ingredients such as sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; plus fresh apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji) and optional nuts like walnuts or pecans. This combination creates a moist, flavorful cake with about 8-10 servings.
What equipment is required to make Apple Hill Cake?
Essential tools include two medium mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or electric mixer, a silicone spatula, a 9×13-inch baking pan, and a knife for chopping apples. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) for best results, with a cooling rack optional for even cooling.
How do I make Apple Hill Cake?
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another, then combine and fold in chopped apples and nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden. Cool, cut into squares, and optionally add powdered sugar or glaze for extra appeal.
Can I prepare Apple Hill Cake in advance?
Yes, prep ingredients up to 24 hours ahead—chop apples and mix dry ingredients, but keep wet ones separate. You can assemble the batter and refrigerate for up to 12 hours to enhance flavors, making it ideal for busy schedules while preserving that fresh-baked taste.
How should I store Apple Hill Cake?
Store the baked cake at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake in the fridge overnight to maintain moisture and texture.
How do I reheat Apple Hill Cake?
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or bake the whole cake at 300°F for 10 minutes. This restores its fresh aroma and soft texture without drying it out, perfect for serving leftovers.