Welcome to the heartland of America’s culinary delights, where tradition meets innovation in the form of the delectable Kentucky Apple Cake. Bursting with the wholesome goodness of fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon, this cake embodies the warm hospitality and rich flavors of Kentucky’s culinary heritage. Join us as we unveil the secrets to crafting this irresistible dessert that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 sticks margarine
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups finely chopped apples
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup real vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, cinnamon, buttermilk, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Blend the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
4. Fold in the Apples and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the finely chopped apples, light corn syrup, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the margarine over low heat. Stir in the baking soda, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
7. Glaze and Serve:
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Apple Selection: Choose sweet and tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
- Nut Alternatives: If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free option, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with chopped pecans or almonds.
- Glaze Adjustments: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for an extra Kentucky twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use real butter instead of margarine in this recipe? A: Yes, you can substitute real butter for margarine in equal amounts for a richer flavor. However, margarine works well in this recipe and yields a moist and tender cake.
Q: Can I freeze this cake for later? A: Yes, you can freeze the Kentucky Apple Cake once it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour? A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour if desired. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cake may vary slightly.
Q: Can I add raisins or dried cranberries to the cake batter? A: Yes, you can add raisins, dried cranberries, or other dried fruits to the cake batter for added sweetness and texture. Fold them into the batter along with the chopped apples and nuts.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Almond Flour Base: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour and use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar.
- Butter and Coconut Oil: Use a combination of butter and coconut oil instead of margarine for a keto-friendly fat source.
Low-Carb:
- Coconut Flour Option: Replace some of the all-purpose flour with coconut flour to reduce the carb content while adding a subtle hint of coconut flavor.
- Sugar-Free Glaze: Use a sugar-free sweetener such as powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to make the glaze low-carb.
Transport your taste buds to the rolling hills of Kentucky with our irresistible Kentucky Apple Cake recipe. With its heavenly blend of juicy apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon spice, this cake is a true celebration of Southern comfort and hospitality. Whether enjoyed as a decadent dessert or a delightful snack, each bite of this moist and flavorful cake is a reminder of the simple joys of home baking. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Bluegrass State with our Kentucky Apple Cake recipe!
