Washington Apple Cake is a timeless, homestyle dessert that celebrates the crisp sweetness of fresh apples. This moist, fragrant cake is filled with tender apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, then topped with a buttery glaze that soaks into every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons, it’s a dessert that tastes like a comforting hug — rich, soft, and bursting with apple flavor. Whether served warm with coffee or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a treat that always brings smiles to the table.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 3–4 medium apples, preferably Honeycrisp or Gala)
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the glaze:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
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In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
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Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick and chunky — that’s what gives the cake its moist texture.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add both sugars and milk, whisking until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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When the cake comes out of the oven, poke small holes across the surface with a skewer or fork and slowly pour the warm glaze over the top. Let it soak in as the cake cools slightly.
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Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 415
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 39g
Sodium: 210mg
Tips:
Use firm, crisp apples for the best texture — Washington apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are perfect.
For a more aromatic flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter.
If you prefer a lighter cake, replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.
Let the glaze soak while the cake is warm — it gives a delicious caramel-like finish.
This cake keeps beautifully for up to 3 days covered at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
