Description

This Frozen Apple Cake is a delicious and convenient make-ahead dessert. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a tender crumb, this cake can be frozen to enjoy later while maintaining its perfect texture and flavor. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or want a dessert ready to serve at any moment, this recipe is for you. Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence! 🍰❄️

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour 🥣
1 teaspoon baking soda 🧂
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌰
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 🍂
1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste) 🌻
2 cups granulated sugar 🍬
3 large eggs 🥚
2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍨
3 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended) 🍏

Optional Add-ins:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 🌰 (for added crunch)
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries 🍇 (for a fruity touch)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper to ensure an easy release.
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup of vegetable oil, 2 cups of sugar, 3 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.
Fold in Apples (and Optional Add-ins)
Gently fold in 3 cups of diced apples (and optional nuts or dried fruit). The apples will add moisture and flavor to the cake.
Pour the Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial before freezing to avoid a soggy cake.
Prepare for Freezing
Once the cake is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. For extra protection, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the whole cake or cut it into individual slices for easier serving later.
Thawing and Serving
When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake at room temperature for 2-4 hours. For a just-baked taste, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert. 🍨

Notes

Type of Apples: Using tart apples like Granny Smith adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake. You can also use sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a softer texture and sweeter flavor.
Storage: The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the wrapped cake with the date so you know when it was baked.
Baking Tip: Slightly underbaking the cake by about 5 minutes helps retain moisture when you plan to freeze it.
Serving Ideas: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot drink like spiced chai or a caramel latte. ☕🍂

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg