15 Fresh Apple Cake Recipe Southern Living Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Fresh apple cake is a classic dessert that is beloved in the South. Made with fresh, juicy apples, warm spices, and a moist cake base, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Not only is it delicious, but it also fills your home with the comforting scents of cinnamon and apples while it bakes. In this article, we will walk you through a tried and true fresh apple cake recipe that has been passed down through generations in Southern families. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delectable treat!
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple Cider, White Sugar, Lemon Juice, Ground
Apple butter is a quintessential Southern condiment that adds a touch of sweetness and spice to any dish. Made from slow-cooked apples, sugar, and spices, it's the perfect topping for beer can chicken. Simply brush it over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious glaze that will have your taste buds singing.
If you're craving some classic Southern comfort food, look no further than Southern fried apples. These tender, caramelized apples are the perfect side dish for beer can chicken. The sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a mouth-watering combination that will have you coming back for seconds.
Another great way to use those Southern fried apples is to stuff them inside the cavity of your beer can chicken. This adds a delicious burst of flavor to the chicken, making it even more irresistible. Plus, it's a fun and unique twist on traditional beer can chicken that is sure to impress your dinner guests.
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Ambrosia Salad {A Southern Staple}
Main Ingredients: Pineapple Chunks, Mandarin Orange Segments, Clementine
Ambrosia salad is a classic Southern side dish that features a medley of fruit, marshmallows, and whipped cream. It's the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken, adding a touch of sweetness and freshness to the meal. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra fruit and veggies into your diet.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Nothing says Southern hospitality like a homemade pound cake. This dense and buttery cake is a staple in Southern households and makes the perfect dessert for any occasion. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a truly Southern meal that will leave everyone satisfied and happy.
Pineapple cake is another popular dessert in the South, and for good reason. This moist and flavorful cake is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and is the perfect ending to any meal. The tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of beer can chicken, creating a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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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 beer can chicken. The crispy edges and soft center of a perfectly cooked skillet cornbread are the perfect complement to the tender and juicy chicken. Plus, the flavors of the cornbread and chicken meld together beautifully, creating a symphony of taste in your mouth.
If you're looking for a more decadent dessert option to serve with your beer can chicken, look no further than Southern butter pound cake. This rich and dense cake is made with plenty of butter, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to resist. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries for the perfect ending to your meal.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shrimp, Apple, Red Bell Pepper, Shallots, Garlic
Cajun shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is sure to impress. The creamy grits provide the perfect base for the spicy and flavorful shrimp, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Serve this alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal that will transport you straight to the bayou.
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Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Canola Oil, Egg, Buttermilk, Baking Soda
This moist and delicious apple cake is the perfect dessert to serve with beer can chicken. The warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar pair perfectly with the savory chicken, creating a delicious contrast of flavors. Plus, the chunks of apples throughout the cake add a burst of freshness to each bite.
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Southern Fried Apple Hand Pies
Main Ingredients: Granny Smith, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated
Southern fried apple hand pies are a fun and unique way to incorporate those delicious fried apples into your meal. These flaky and buttery pies are filled with the sweet and spicy apples, making them the perfect handheld dessert to enjoy alongside your beer can chicken.
Southern smothered chicken is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a Sunday dinner. The chicken is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy, creating tender and juicy meat that falls off the bone. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a meal that will have everyone raving.
Cornbread dressing is a must-have side dish for any Southern holiday meal. Made with cornbread, veggies, and plenty of herbs and spices, it's the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. The flavors of the dressing and chicken complement each other beautifully, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. These hearty and flavorful greens are the perfect addition to your beer can chicken. The tangy and savory flavors of the greens pair perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken, creating a truly delicious meal.
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy that is slowly cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve these alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that is sure to impress. The flavors of the oxtails and chicken will blend together perfectly, creating a symphony of taste in your mouth.
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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. These classic Southern biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken, soaking up all the delicious juices and flavors. They are also great for sopping up any leftover sauces or gravies from the meal.
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Kentucky Apple Skillet Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Pecans, Bourbon Whiskey, Unsalted Butter
If you're looking for a unique and delicious dessert to serve with your beer can chicken, try making a Kentucky apple skillet cake. This moist and flavorful cake is made with apples, bourbon, and plenty of warm spices, making it the perfect complement to the savory chicken. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
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Mom's Best Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Flour, Salt
Mom's best apple cake is a classic Southern dessert that is sure to impress. This moist and flavorful cake is filled with chunks of apples and topped with a rich and creamy caramel sauce. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that will leave everyone feeling warm and satisfied.
Last but certainly not least, we have Southern baked macaroni and cheese. This creamy and cheesy dish is the perfect side dish for beer can chicken. The gooey and rich cheese pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, creating a meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
For a twist on the classic baked macaroni and cheese, try making it with a Southern twist. Add in some diced ham or bacon for a touch of smokiness, or mix in some jalapenos for a spicy kick. This dish is the ultimate comfort food and is the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken.
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Apple Butter
Main Ingredients: Apples, Apple Cider, White Sugar, Lemon Juice, Ground
Apple butter is a delicious and versatile spread that can be used in a variety of recipes. It adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of fall flavor to any dish. Whether you're using it as a glaze for your beer can chicken or spreading it on a piece of toast, apple butter is a must-have in any Southern kitchen.
There's nothing quite like a plate of southern fried apples. These sweet and tangy slices of heaven are a staple in any home-cooked meal. They pair perfectly with beer can chicken and add a touch of comfort to any meal. Don't be afraid to add a little extra brown sugar for a decadent treat.
Similar to southern fried apples, this dish is a simple and delicious side that complements beer can chicken perfectly. With a touch of cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar, these fried apples are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them up with some creamy mashed potatoes and you've got a classic Southern meal.
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Ambrosia Salad {A Southern Staple}
Main Ingredients: Pineapple Chunks, Mandarin Orange Segments, Clementine
Ambrosia salad is a must-have at any Southern gathering. This sweet and creamy fruit salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. With a blend of juicy fruits, marshmallows, and coconut, it's a treat for the taste buds. Serve it chilled for the perfect summer side.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
What's a Southern meal without a slice of pound cake? This classic dessert is a staple in Southern kitchens and is the perfect ending to any meal. With a dense and buttery texture, it's the perfect complement to beer can chicken. Top it off with some fresh berries and whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with a slice of Southern pineapple cake. This moist and flavorful cake is a hit at any gathering and is sure to impress your guests. With a hint of tropical flavor, it's the perfect dessert for a summer BBQ or a Sunday family dinner.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern cornbread is a staple in any Southern household. This classic side dish is the perfect addition to any meal, especially beer can chicken. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, this cornbread is sure to be a hit. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for the ultimate comfort food.
Another classic pound cake recipe, this Southern butter pound cake is a must-try. With a rich and buttery flavor, it pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This cake is also a great base for a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shrimp, Apple, Red Bell Pepper, Shallots, Garlic
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with a side of creamy Cajun shrimp and grits. This dish is a Southern favorite and is full of bold flavors. The creamy grits and spicy shrimp are the perfect complement to the smoky flavors of the beer can chicken. Don't forget to top it off with some crumbled bacon for an extra layer of deliciousness.
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Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Canola Oil, Egg, Buttermilk, Baking Soda
This cinnamon sugar apple cake is a great way to use up any leftover apples from your beer can chicken recipes. The warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple pair perfectly with the smokiness of the chicken. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious fall-inspired dessert.
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Southern Fried Apple Hand Pies
Main Ingredients: Granny Smith, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Granulated
If you're looking for a unique and tasty way to use up your leftover apples, try making these Southern fried apple hand pies. These handheld treats are filled with sweet and tangy apples and are perfect for snacking on while enjoying your beer can chicken. They also make for a delicious on-the-go breakfast option.
No Southern meal is complete without some smothered chicken. This classic dish is made by cooking chicken in a rich and flavorful gravy until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. It's the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and are a perfect side dish for beer can chicken. These hearty greens are slow-cooked with bacon and spices for a dish that is full of flavor. Serve them up with some cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
This Southern cornbread dressing is a must-have at any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and spices, it's the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. Don't forget to top it off with some homemade gravy for a truly indulgent meal.
Oxtails are a classic Southern comfort food and are a great addition to any meal, especially beer can chicken. These meaty and tender pieces of beef are cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve them up with some mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No meal is complete without some flaky Southern biscuits. These buttery and delicious biscuits are a staple in Southern cooking and are the perfect side for beer can chicken. Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey or some homemade jam for a truly indulgent treat.
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Kentucky Apple Skillet Cake
Main Ingredients: Apples, Pecans, Bourbon Whiskey, Unsalted Butter
Take your apple cake to the next level with this delicious Kentucky apple skillet cake. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, this cake is a great way to use up any leftover apples from your beer can chicken recipes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
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Mom's Best Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Flour, Salt
This apple cake recipe is a family favorite and is sure to become a staple in your household. It's moist, flavorful, and full of juicy apples, making it the perfect complement to beer can chicken. Whip up a batch for your next family gathering and watch it disappear in no time.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of baked mac and cheese. This classic dish is made with a blend of creamy cheeses and baked until golden and bubbly. It pairs perfectly with beer can chicken and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
A slight variation on the classic, this Southern baked mac and cheese is made with a touch of mustard and hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Top it off with some crumbled bacon for a truly indulgent dish.
How to Choose the Perfect Apples for Your Cake
Bold and Flavorful Apples Make for the Best Cake
When it comes to making a fresh apple cake, the type of apples you use can make all the difference. You want to choose apples that are bold in flavor and hold up well during baking. Some great options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady apples. These varieties are known for their tartness and ability to hold their shape when cooked.
Local and Organic Apples for an Authentic Southern Touch
For an even more authentic Southern touch to your cake, consider using locally sourced and organic apples. These apples are grown with care and are bursting with flavor. Plus, by using local and organic produce, you are supporting small farmers and reducing your carbon footprint - a win-win for everyone!
Preparing Your Apples for the Cake
Peeling, Coring, and Chopping the Apples
Once you have chosen your perfect apples, it's time to prepare them for the cake. Start by peeling the apples and removing the core. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces. The size of the apple pieces is up to personal preference, but smaller chunks will result in a more even distribution of apples throughout the cake.
Coating the Apples in Cinnamon and Sugar
To give your apples an extra burst of flavor, toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This will not only add a delicious layer of sweetness but will also help to prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake while it bakes.
Assembling and Baking Your Fresh Apple Cake
Layering the Apples and Batter
To create a beautiful and flavorful cake, you will want to layer the apples and batter in a bundt pan. Start by pouring in half of the batter, then add a layer of apples, followed by the remaining batter. Finally, top with a layer of apples and gently press them into the batter.
Baking to Perfection
The key to a moist and delicious fresh apple cake is not overbaking it. Keep a close eye on your cake and use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready to be taken out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a serving dish.
Get Ready to Indulge in Southern Perfection
With its warm spices, juicy apples, and moist cake base, this fresh apple cake recipe truly captures the essence of Southern living. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to please. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your loved ones with a taste of the South!
