15 Apple Cake Recipe Southern Living Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your guests? Look no further than this mouth-watering apple cake recipe from Southern Living. With its perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices, this southern apple cake is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it's a great way to use up any extra apples you may have on hand. So, put on your apron and get ready to bake up a slice of southern comfort.
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple Cider, White Sugar, Lemon Juice, Ground
One of the most delicious toppings for chicken is apple butter. This sweet and tangy spread is perfect for basting the chicken while it cooks. Not only does it add flavor, but it also helps keep the chicken moist and juicy. To make your own apple butter, simply cook down apples with sugar, spices, and a splash of apple cider vinegar until it reaches a thick and spreadable consistency.
For a classic Southern side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try fried apples. These are thinly sliced apples cooked in a skillet with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until they are tender and caramelized. They are the perfect combination of sweet and savory and complement the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
If you want to add a little twist to your fried apples, try adding a splash of your favorite beer while they are cooking. This will give them a unique flavor and help them caramelize even more. Just be sure to use a beer that complements the other flavors in the dish.
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Ambrosia Salad {A Southern Staple}
Main Ingredients: Pineapple Chunks, Mandarin Orange Segments, Clementine
Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for a cookout or barbecue. It is a combination of fruit, coconut, and marshmallows all mixed together in a creamy dressing. This salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the beer can chicken and add some refreshing fruit flavors to your meal.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
No Southern meal is complete without a slice of pound cake for dessert. This classic cake is rich, buttery, and perfect for serving with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. To make it even more special, try adding a splash of your favorite beer to the batter.
Another delicious dessert option to pair with your beer can chicken is a Southern pineapple cake. This cake is moist and flavorful, thanks to the addition of crushed pineapple in the batter. It is perfect for serving at a cookout or potluck and will be a hit with all your guests.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking and is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. For a truly Southern cornbread, make it in a cast iron skillet and top it with a pat of butter while it is still hot. The combination of the crispy edges and the tender center is irresistible.
For a more indulgent version of pound cake, try making a Southern butter pound cake. This recipe uses a combination of butter and cream cheese for an extra rich and decadent cake. Serve it with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shrimp, Apple, Red Bell Pepper, Shallots, Garlic
If you want to add a little heat to your meal, try serving your beer can chicken with creamy Cajun shrimp and grits. This dish is a Southern favorite and is full of bold flavors. The spicy shrimp and creamy grits are the perfect complement to the beer-infused chicken.
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Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Canola Oil, Egg, Buttermilk, Baking Soda
This simple yet delicious apple cake is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. It is made with a moist and fluffy cake batter, topped with thinly sliced apples, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. The result is a sweet and comforting dessert that everyone will love.
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Southern Fried Apple Hand Pies
Main Ingredients: Granny Smith, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated
If you want a fun and portable option for your dessert, try making Southern fried apple hand pies. These are small individual pies filled with fried apples and wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. They are perfect for taking on a picnic or serving at a backyard gathering.
Southern smothered chicken is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for serving with beer can chicken. It is made by cooking chicken in a flavorful gravy until it is tender and falls off the bone. This dish is hearty, comforting, and full of Southern flavors.
For a classic Southern side dish, try serving your beer can chicken with a side of collard greens. These are cooked low and slow with bacon, onion, and spices until they are tender and full of flavor. They are the perfect addition to any Southern meal.
If you want to take your cornbread to the next level, try making a Southern cornbread dressing. This dish is a staple on Thanksgiving tables in the South, but it is delicious any time of year. It is made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onion, and plenty of herbs and spices for a flavorful and comforting side dish.
For a hearty and flavorful alternative to beer can chicken, try Southern smothered oxtails. These are cooked low and slow until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and covered in a rich and flavorful gravy. Serve them with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of flaky biscuits. These are perfect for serving with your beer can chicken to soak up all the delicious juices. Plus, they are easy to make and always a hit with any crowd. Top them with a little honey or jam for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Kentucky Apple Skillet Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Pecans, Bourbon Whiskey, Unsalted Butter
This unique dessert is a twist on the classic Southern skillet cake. It is made with a combination of apples, bourbon, and pecans for a rich and flavorful cake that is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. It is also a great way to use up any leftover apples from making apple butter or fried apples.
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Mom's Best Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Flour, Salt
If you want a tried and true recipe for a delicious apple cake, look no further than Mom's best apple cake. This recipe has been passed down for generations and is a staple in many Southern homes. It is moist, flavorful, and perfect for serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
No Southern barbecue is complete without a side of baked macaroni and cheese. This dish is rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness. It is the perfect pairing for beer can chicken and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you want to switch things up a bit, try making a Southern version of the classic mac and cheese. This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. It is also topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture and flavor.
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Apple Butter
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple Cider, White Sugar, Lemon Juice, Ground
What's better than a tender and juicy beer can chicken? Smothering it in a rich and flavorful apple butter sauce. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the tang of balsamic vinegar and a hint of spice from cayenne pepper. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
If you're looking for a classic Southern side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than these Southern fried apples. Sliced apples are sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and warm spices until they are soft and syrupy. Serve these alongside your chicken for the ultimate Southern feast.
Not in the mood for a full serving of fried apples? Try this recipe for a single fried apple. It's perfect for a quick and easy snack or as a topping for your chicken. Simply coat a sliced apple in flour, dip it in a mixture of egg and milk, and then fry until golden brown. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
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Ambrosia Salad {A Southern Staple}
Main Ingredients: Pineapple Chunks, Mandarin Orange Segments, Clementine
No Southern spread is complete without a bowl of ambrosia salad. This classic dish is made with a medley of fruit, coconut, and mini marshmallows, all coated in a creamy dressing. It's the perfect sweet and refreshing side dish to balance out the savory flavors of your beer can chicken.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Now, let's talk dessert. This recipe for Southern pound cake is a must-try. It's a classic, no-frills pound cake that is buttery, moist, and oh-so-delicious. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries to round out your meal.
If you love pineapple, this cake is for you. It's a moist and fluffy yellow cake filled with crushed pineapple and topped with a creamy pineapple frosting. It's the perfect tropical dessert to enjoy after a day of grilling and chilling.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is a crowd-pleaser. It's crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and has just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it's made in a cast-iron skillet, which gives it an authentic Southern touch.
If you're a fan of buttery desserts, this Southern butter pound cake is a must-try. It's made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, but the end result is a rich and decadent cake that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shrimp, Apple, Red Bell Pepper, Shallots, Garlic
Now, let's add a little Cajun flair to our BBQ with this recipe for creamy Cajun shrimp and grits. The grits are cooked in a mixture of milk and broth until they are creamy and delicious. The shrimp is seasoned with Cajun seasoning and sautéed in butter for a spicy kick. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a meal with a Southern and Creole twist.
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Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Canola Oil, Egg, Buttermilk, Baking Soda
This simple but delicious apple cake is perfect for using up any extra apples you have lying around. It's a moist and fluffy cake with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping that will have you going back for seconds (and thirds). Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true Southern treat.
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Southern Fried Apple Hand Pies
Main Ingredients: Granny Smith, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated
If you're looking for a handheld version of fried apples, these Southern fried apple hand pies are just the ticket. They are made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Perfect for a quick snack or a portable dessert.
This recipe for Southern smothered chicken will have you licking your plate clean. The chicken is smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and herbs. Serve it with mashed potatoes and your favorite veggie for a classic Southern meal.
If you're looking for a side dish that screams Southern comfort food, this Southern cornbread dressing is it. It's made with a base of crumbled cornbread, mixed with sautéed onions and celery, and then baked until golden brown. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of greens, and these Southern collard greens are a must-try. They are cooked until tender with bacon, onions, and a touch of hot sauce for a little heat. Serve them up with some cornbread for a truly Southern feast.
For a hearty and flavorful dish, try these Southern smothered oxtails. The oxtails are braised until tender and then smothered in a rich and savory gravy. Serve them over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a basket of warm and flaky biscuits. This recipe for classic Southern biscuits is a crowd-pleaser. They are light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from your beer can chicken.
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Kentucky Apple Skillet Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Pecans, Bourbon Whiskey, Unsalted Butter
This skillet cake is a twist on the classic Southern pineapple upside-down cake. Instead of pineapple, it uses thinly sliced apples, which caramelize perfectly in the skillet. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and comforting dessert.
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Mom's Best Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Flour, Salt
This recipe for Mom's best apple cake is a family favorite for a reason. It's a simple and delicious cake made with fresh apples and topped with a cinnamon sugar streusel. It's perfect for a weeknight dessert or a potluck gathering.
No list of Southern dishes would be complete without mac and cheese. This recipe for Southern baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It's made with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
If you're looking for a quicker and easier version of mac and cheese, this Southern baked mac and cheese is for you. It's made with just a handful of ingredients and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or as a side dish for your beer can chicken.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups peeled and chopped apples
1 cup chopped pecans
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apples and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by melting the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the cake is done, poke holes all over the top using a toothpick or fork.
Pour the glaze over the warm cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
This apple cake recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, spice, and everything nice. The warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice pair perfectly with the juicy chunks of apples and crunchy pecans. And the rich glaze adds a decadent touch to this already delicious dessert. Whether you're looking for a dessert to serve at your next dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a slice of southern comfort, this southern apple cake is sure to satisfy. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy this delectable dessert!
