Simple Paula Deen Apple Cake Recipe Ideas for Cozy Baking

Paula Deen apple cake stands as a heartwarming Southern classic that brings families together around delectable dessert memories.

Sweet autumn fruits dance through every tender crumb, creating a symphony of warm spices and rich textures.

Homemade comfort emerges from carefully blended ingredients that transform simple components into something magical.

Generations of bakers have cherished this recipe for its nostalgic flavors and straightforward preparation.

Soft, moist layers tell stories of kitchen traditions passed down through loving hands and shared meals.

Nutty undertones and caramelized fruit whispers promise a sensory experience that connects you to cherished culinary heritage.

Each slice represents more than mere dessert – it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and pure deliciousness: dive in!

Why Paula Deen’s Apple Cake is a Classic

• Savor Sensational Seasonal Sweetness: This apple cake bursts with autumn flavors, combining warm cinnamon and fresh apples in a decadent dessert that captures the cozy essence of fall baking.
• Indulge in Textural Treasure: The cake offers an incredible mix of textures – soft, moist cake layers studded with crunchy pecans and chewy coconut create a delightful mouth-feel that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.
• Transform Simple Ingredients into Spectacular Dessert: With just a few basic pantry ingredients, you can create an impressive cake that looks and tastes like a professional bakery masterpiece, making it perfect for surprising guests or treating your family to something special without complicated techniques.

What You Need for Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

• Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cake, all-purpose works best.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples.

• Sugar: Primary sweetener that helps create a tender cake.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide richness and structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Orange Juice: Adds subtle citrus flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and enhances other flavors.

• Apples, Chopped: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture.
• Coconut, Shredded: Adds tropical flavor and interesting texture.
• Pecans, Chopped: Provides crunch and nutty flavor.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create caramel-like sauce.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps activate baking soda.
• Baking Soda: Helps sauce thicken and become smooth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab a tube pan and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 325°F / 165°C, creating the perfect warm environment for your cake.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Orange juice
• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Add Delicious Extras

• Chopped apples
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 hours, checking doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Craft Decadent Sauce

• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat
• Add sugar
• Pour in buttermilk
• Baking soda

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 6: Soak The Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and immediately drench it with the hot sauce. Pour evenly while the cake remains in the pan. Allow the cake to soak for 1 hour, letting the sauce penetrate every delicious layer.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Carefully turn the cake onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. For an extra indulgent experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

• Soak Strategically: Give the cake time to absorb the delicious sauce completely by letting it rest for an hour after pouring, allowing flavors to mingle and moisture to penetrate every delectable crumb.
• Drench Immediately: Pour the warm, rich sauce over the hot cake right after baking to maximize flavor absorption and create an incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Coat Completely: Protect your cake from sticking by generously greasing every nook and cranny of the tube pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring a perfect release.
• Select Superior Buttermilk: Opt for fresh buttermilk to give the sauce an authentic tangy depth that elevates the entire dessert's flavor profile.
• Dice Deliberately: Finely chop apples into consistent, small pieces to guarantee even distribution and smooth texture throughout the cake's interior.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

• Counter Storage: Leave freshly baked apple cake uncovered at room temperature for maximum 2 days. Ensure the cake sits on a sturdy cake stand or plate in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Keep away from heat sources like stoves or windows to maintain its delicate texture.
• Refrigeration Method: Securely wrap cake with food-grade plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Place in refrigerator's middle shelf where temperature remains most consistent. Consume within 5 days for optimal taste and moisture retention. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before serving to restore original softness.
• Freezing Technique: Slice cake into individual portions for easier future serving. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before enjoying.

Creative Variations for Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

• Autumn Spice Upgrade: Replace pecans with toasted walnuts and add ground nutmeg and allspice to enhance the warm seasonal flavors.
• Caramel Apple Remix: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cooled cake and sprinkle extra cinnamon for a rich, decadent finish.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Version: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this classic cake.
• Rustic Berry Fusion: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries alongside the apples for a tangy, fruity dimension that complements the sweet cake base.

Final Words on Paula Deen’s Apple Cake

Southern hospitality shines through Paula Deen’s legendary apple cake, a masterpiece blending rustic charm with sophisticated flavors.

Warm spices dance alongside sweet apples, creating an irresistible symphony of comfort and indulgence.

Coconut and pecans provide delightful texture, elevating this classic dessert beyond ordinary expectations.

Rich buttermilk sauce transforms an already exceptional cake into a memorable culinary experience.

Southern kitchens whisper stories of tradition with each slice, connecting generations through shared moments of deliciousness.

With layers of complexity and nostalgic warmth, this cake promises to captivate hearts, spark conversations, and inspire culinary adventures – so grab your forks, snap a picture, share the recipe, and let passionate bakers unite in celebrating Paula Deen’s mouthwatering creation!

Paula Deen Apple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Apple Cake brings Southern comfort to your dessert table with a moist, spiced masterpiece. Cinnamon-kissed apples and buttery cake layers promise a delightful slice of homestyle goodness you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3 cups (700 ml) sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups (375 g) all purpose flour
• 3 cups (450 g) peeled and finely chopped apples
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) vegetable oil

Flavoring and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice

Additional Ingredients:

• 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
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by generously coating a tube pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking. Position the oven rack in the center and warm the oven to 325°F / 165°C.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, fresh orange juice, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous batter with no visible lumps.
3. Carefully incorporate chopped apples, shredded coconut, and roughly chopped pecans into the batter, gently folding with a silicone spatula to distribute the ingredients evenly without deflating the mixture.
4. Transfer the complete batter into the prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface that will promote uniform baking.
5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. The cake is done when a slender wooden skewer inserted into the center emerges clean and free of raw batter.
6. During the final baking moments, craft the decadent sauce by melting butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Introduce sugar, buttermilk, and baking soda, stirring consistently until the mixture reaches a vigorous, rolling boil.
7. Maintain the boil for precisely one minute, continuously stirring to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth sauce consistency.
8. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, slowly and evenly pour the scalding sauce over the entire surface, allowing it to seep into every crevice of the warm cake.
9. Allow the cake to rest undisturbed for one full hour, permitting the sauce to thoroughly penetrate and infuse the cake with rich, caramel-like flavors.
10. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature, optionally accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Precise apple chopping creates uniform texture throughout the cake, preventing random hard or soft spots during baking.
• Buttermilk freshness transforms the sauce’s depth, delivering an authentic tangy undertone that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Generous pan greasing guarantees a seamless cake release, protecting intricate tube pan details from potential sticking mishaps.
• Immediate sauce pouring while cake radiates heat maximizes flavor absorption, ensuring every crumb becomes deliciously saturated.
• Patient resting period after sauce application allows complex flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a consistently moist and rich dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 542.46 kcal
• Sugar: 28.29g
• Sodium: 191.16mg
• Fat: 37.57g
• Saturated Fat: 5.5g
• Carbohydrates: 49.81g
• Fiber: 3.05g
• Protein: 5.39g
• Cholesterol: 39.12mg