Autumn Apple Cake

This apple cake is everything I love in a simple, rustic dessert – sweet, moist, and full of flavor from fresh Granny Smith apples and a touch of orange juice. It’s a one-bowl kind of recipe, easy to mix by hand, and perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or just a cozy afternoon treat.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups sugar

1¼ cups vegetable oil

¼ cup orange juice

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

3 cups all-purpose flour

3 Granny Smith apples, grated

Optional: ½ cup coconut flakes

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 12x12 baking pan.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, orange juice, and eggs until well combined.

Step 3: Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Add cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and flour. Mix by hand until just combined.

Step 5: If using, fold in coconut flakes.

Step 6: Add grated apples and gently stir to incorporate.

Step 7: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 8: Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Let cool before slicing. Serve on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.