Paula Deen Apple Cake Recipe

This Paula Deen Apple Cake, inspired by a classic French dessert, is a tender, buttery delight bursting with sweet-tart apple chunks and a hint of rum. Effortlessly elegant, this cake is ready in about 1 hour, making it a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual brunches to festive gatherings.

Paula Deen Apple Cake Recipe Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 Tbsp. for sprinkling
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3 Tbsp. dark rum
• 2 baking apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch cubes (3½–4 cups)
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

How To Make Paula Deen Apple Cake

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the middle. Grease a 9-inch springform or regular cake pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. If using a regular cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease again for easy release.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld mixer with beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream ½ cup softened butter and ⅔ cup granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping the bowl to ensure even mixing. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons dark rum. The batter may appear slightly grainy at this stage, which is normal.
5. Combine Batter: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the cubed apples until evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Cake: Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Run a blunt knife around the edges to loosen. For a springform pan, remove the sides. For a regular pan, carefully invert onto the rack, remove the parchment, and flip right-side-up onto a platter. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips

• How do I choose the best apples? Use tart-sweet baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, which hold their shape during baking. Combine varieties for a more complex flavor.
• Can I substitute the rum? Replace dark rum with apple juice, orange juice, or an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version, though rum adds a unique warmth.
• How do I prevent sticking? Grease the pan thoroughly and use parchment paper for regular pans to ensure easy release without damaging the cake.
• Can I make it gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a seamless gluten-free version.

What To Serve With Apple Cake

This versatile cake pairs beautifully with:

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch
• Fresh apple slices or berries for a vibrant presentation
• A warm cup of coffee, tea, or spiced cider to complement the cozy flavors

How To Store Apple Cake

• Store: Store the cooled cake in a cake dome or covered with foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: If refrigerated, bring to room temperature or warm slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in aluminum foil or freezer wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar after thawing.

Apple Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~279 kcal per serving
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 22g
• Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Paula Deen Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
• Paula Deen Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
• Paula Deen Coconut Cake Recipe