Ingredients
3/4 cup of oil
2 cups of sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups of Granny Smith apples, chopped (about 3-4 apples)
1 cup of chopped pecans
1/3 cup of butter
1/2 cup of light brown sugar
1/2 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for icing)
Preparation Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures your cake cooks evenly and rises well.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of oil, 2 cups of sugar, and 4 large eggs. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be light and slightly thick, indicating that the eggs and sugar are properly integrated.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Sifting ensures the dry ingredients are light and smooth, helping the cake to bake evenly.
Step 4: Mix in the Apples and Pecans
Gently fold in 3 1/2 cups of chopped Granny Smith apples and 1 cup of chopped pecans. The apples add moisture and a fruity flavor, while the pecans provide a delightful crunch. Ensure the apples and pecans are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Prepare the Pan
Generously grease and flour a tube pan or two loaf pans. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Done
Place the pan(s) in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake after 50 minutes. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, the cake is done. If using loaf pans, check them around 50 minutes, as they may bake faster than a tube pan.
Step 7: Enjoy!
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious Apple Pecan Cake with or without icing!