Pioneer Woman Apple Cake Recipe

This easy Pioneer Woman Apple Cake is a delicious, moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With cinnamon-spiced apples and toasted pecans, it’s a simple treat that’s sure to impress. You can use common ingredients you have on hand, making it a flexible and quick option for your next baking adventure!

Ingredients Needed

• Non-stick baking spray (with flour)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 small Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

How To Make Apple Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, eggs, apple butter, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Whisk until just combined.
4. Fold in apples and pecans: Add the chopped Granny Smith apples and toasted pecans, folding them in gently with a rubber spatula.
5. Transfer and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool completely for about 1 hour.
7. Serve: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar just before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh apples: Granny Smith apples work best because they’re tart and hold their shape while baking, adding a great texture to the cake.
• Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their flavor and adds a crunchy texture that enhances the cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can make it dense.
• Check the cake with a toothpick: Test the cake at 28 minutes with a toothpick to avoid overbaking. The cake should come out clean when done.
• Cool the cake completely: Let the cake cool for about 1 hour to ensure it firms up and is easier to cut. This prevents it from falling apart.

How To Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate: keep leftovers apple cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap leftovers apple cake recipe tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the cake)

• Calories: 382 kcal
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Potassium: 150 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 35 g

More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Flat Apple Pie Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Caramel Apple Pie Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
• Pioneer Woman Apple Brown Betty