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Classic Jewish Apple Cake

This Classic Jewish Apple Cake is a timeless, old-fashioned dessert filled with layers of tender cinnamon-coated apples baked into a rich, moist vanilla cake. Made without dairy, it’s perfect for any gathering — from Rosh Hashanah celebrations to cozy family dinners. The sweet aroma of apples, cinnamon, and sugar fills your kitchen as it bakes, creating a comforting and nostalgic treat everyone will love.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Course: Coffee Cake, Dessert, Holiday Dessert
Cuisine: American, Jewish
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Apple Filling:
  • 4 large apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • For the Cake Batter:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Bundt pan (10-inch) or tube pan
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Spatula
  • Knife & cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan.
  3. Prepare Apples
  4. In a bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
  5. Make the Batter
  6. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  7. In another bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth.
  8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.
  9. Layer the Cake
  10. Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared pan, then add half of the apple mixture.
  11. Repeat with another layer of batter, apples, and finish with the remaining batter.
  12. Bake
  13. Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  14. Cool & Serve
  15. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  16. Serve dusted with powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra flavor.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Perfect when served warm with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.