Fresh Apple Cake Recipe Is Fall Fabulous for Breakfast, Brunch or Dessert (9 Ingredients) by Jan Mostrom

In the fall for the past 20 years I’ve made applesauce. I love it because it’s a gift I can give that is totally healthy and it’s incredibly yummy – and makes my house smell incredible. (Check out my sugar-free applesauce recipe. And because I order lots and lots of apples I love to look for new apple recipes.

This apple cake recipe is a great breakfast cake, not too sweet, easy to make and just the thing to have on hand for holiday family or guests that may be stopping by.

Photo credit (all photos): Jan Mostrom

Here is your sweet shopping list for this incredible fresh apple cake: pecans, brown sugar, butter, apple pie spice, fresh apples (read about the health benefits of apples), a lemon for juicing, a white or yellow cake mix, eggs and whole milk. The fall-inspired cake has easy prep, and the end result is a beautiful and impressive cake to dig into.

Cooking Note: Instead of apple pie spice you could substitute 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cardamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 1/4 teaspoon allspice. If you don’t have cardamon, allspice or ginger, don’t stress. They add a more complex taste but you can add a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg if needed.

Serve this apple cake for breakfast or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. If you decide to serve for dessert top with whipped cream, ice cream or even a simple caramel sauce for an added sweetness.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 to 55 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecans, toasted
• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons brown sugar (divided)
• 1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup melted butter (divided)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice (divided)
• 2 large crisp apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
• juice from 1 medium lemon
• 16 ounces (1 box) white or vanilla cake mix
• 1 egg 
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup whole milk

Here's how to make it: 

1. Combine apples, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or equivalent spices and 3 tablespoons brown sugar. Mix well. Set aside.
   
2. In a small bowl make pecan mixture by combining pecans, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until crumbly. Set aside.
   
3. In a mixing bowl make cake batter by combining mix, egg and egg whites, milk and 1/3 cup melted butter. Mix on medium for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
   
4. Pour batter into a greased 13x9-inch baking pan.
   
5. Top with apple slices (double them if needed) and then the pecan mixture over the apples.
   
6. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for 35 minutes. Remove and cover with foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. Remove and place on a cooling rack for about 15 minutes.
   
7. Serve warm for breakfast or dessert and enjoy!
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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