Fresh Apple Cake with Brown Sugar-Buttermilk Glaze

by | Oct 3, 2012 | Desserts | 4 comments

Nothing says autumn to me more than apples, pears and pumpkins – the fresh from the orchard and garden varieties are a welcome addition to our pantry.  While I truly admit to being a summer person, I do like the change of seasons in fall and spring.  Winter not so much.  With a hint of a chill in the air this morning, my mind turned to thoughts of those scents we so associate with the season – cinnamon, nutmeg, apples –and I knew I would be baking this family favorite.  Since pumpkin generally overtakes November and December in our household,  I tend to go with apples and pears in October.

Whenever I can get them, I like using the Arkansas Black apple for this cake partly because it originated in Northwest Arkansas, but mostly because it is a sweet-tart, firm apple that keeps its integrity.  It is an excellent apple to dry if you are so inclined.  A Granny Smith is an acceptable substitute if you cannot locate the Arkansas Black.
 
Fresh Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Buttermilk Glaze
Serves 12
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Cake
  1. 2 cups sugar
  2. 3 eggs
  3. 1 cup canola oil
  4. 3 cups peeled, chopped apples
  5. 1/2 cup applesauce
  6. 1/4 cup orange juice (orange-mango works well also)
  7. 3 cups all-purpose flour
  8. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  10. 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
  11. 1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts
Glaze
  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup dark brown sugar
  3. 1/2 cup buttermilk
  4. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan.
  2. Mix flour, soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside.
  3. Beat oil and sugar until well-blended. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add in applesauce and orange juice and beat until mixed thoroughly.
  4. Add flour mixture until blended. Stir in nuts and apples.
  5. Pour into prepared pan and drop onto the counter and shake the pan to settle the batter and release any air pockets.
  6. Bake approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours (check often after the first hour) until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Glaze
  1. Just before removing the cake from the oven, make the glaze. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the brown sugar, buttermilk and baking soda. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for one minute.
  2. Pour the glaze over the hot cake in the pan immediately after removing the cake from the oven. Let the cake stand in the pan one hour before turning out onto a cake rack to cool completely.
  3. Slice and serve with whipped cream if you dare!
Dining With Debbie https://diningwithdebbie.net/

 
This is a very rich, very dense cake that keeps its freshness a number of days.  It also freezes well.  You can easily eliminate the glaze if you prefer a less sweet dessert.  This can also be baked in a 8 x 10 inch cake pan with cooking time adjusted.

 

arkansas blacks
Arkansas Blacks

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At A Glance
name:
origin:
Benton County, Arkansas (Bentonville)
 

 

 

 

date: 1870

 

 
 
 
parentage:
 
probably Winesap seedling
 
 
 
harvest: October – November
 
 
 
season: mid-fall to early winter
 
 

 

 

 

Farm Girl Friday Blog Fest @Fresh Eggs Daily
 

4 Comments

  1. The Tablescaper
    The Tablescaper on at 8:43 am

    I am drooling! This looks so enticing.

    – The Tablescaper

  2. Miz Helen
    Miz Helen on at 8:57 am

    Hi Debbie,
    This is a beautiful cake, that glaze looks delicious and I can’t wait to taste it. Have a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

  4. Michelle's Tasty Creations
    Michelle's Tasty Creations on at 6:10 pm

    Debbie,
    This cake looks delicious and super moist. Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share this week! Have a wonderful week.
    Michelle