It’s apple season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a simple, delicious apple cake recipe that’s been passed down through generations. We love our apples, the thriving orchards from coast to coast and bringing people together with their crisp, juicy flavours. From delicious pies, crisps or even chutneys, they’re a staple, especially as the cool weather calls for warm, comforting treats.
This recipe comes from Chef Lynne Zimmerman at Herbsnhoney.ca and has a special family connection. It’s inspired by her Grandma Crewson—Beatrice “Bea” Crewson—a woman whose apple cake is just as memorable as her name. Simple ingredients come together in a heartwarming, time-tested recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of apples. And for a seasonal twist, Lynne has even tried it with pears and plums, adding a delicious variety to this family favourite. This apple cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cozy bite of Canadian tradition.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and levelled -off
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling over cake
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
• 2 baking apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1 cm cubes
(3-1/2 – 4 cups chopped)
• Confectioners sugar (optional), for decorating cake
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
2. Grease a 9- inch spring-form or regular cake pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. If using a regular cake pan, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and grease again.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
4. Using a handheld mixer with beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and rum. Don’t worry if the batter looks grainy at this point; that’s okay. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the chopped apples.
5. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and even the top.
6. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a rack in the pan. Once cool, run a blunt knife around the edges of the cake. If using a spring-form pan, remove the sides. If using a regular cake pan, carefully invert the cake onto the rack, remove the parchment paper, then gently flip the cake over and place right-side-up on a platter.
8. Using a fine sieve, dust with confectioners sugar (if using). Cake can be served warm or room temperature, plain or with lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
