Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups vegetable oil

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar (packed)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 large eggs

4 cups apples (peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks)

⅓ cup butter

⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)

⅓ cup granulated sugar

⅓ cup heavy cream

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed. Add vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly between additions. The batter will be thick.

Step 5: Fold the chopped apples into the batter carefully with a sturdy wooden spoon.

Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. Combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Step 9: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

For extra texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.

Swap heavy cream in the glaze with half-and-half for a lighter version.

If you prefer, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the apples to prevent browning.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples yield the best texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid thoroughly before folding into the batter to prevent sogginess.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.