Kentucky Apple Cake

 

Kentucky Apple Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

Eggs – 2 large

Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons

Buttermilk – ¼ cup

Milk – 2–3 tablespoons

Granulated sugar – 2 cups

Pure vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

Margarine – 2 sticks (1 cup), melted

Baking powder – 2 teaspoons

Baking soda – ¼ teaspoon

Salt – ⅛ teaspoon (plus a pinch for apples)

All-purpose flour – 2½ cups

Finely chopped apples – 3 cups

Light corn syrup – 1 tablespoon

Chopped walnuts – 2 cups

For the Shiny Vanilla Glaze:

Margarine – ½ cup (1 stick)

Baking soda – 1 teaspoon

Granulated sugar – ¾ cup

Pure vanilla extract – ¼ cup

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy release later.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and frothy. Add in the cinnamon, buttermilk, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until fully blended and aromatic.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Add the Melted Margarine

Melt the 2 sticks of margarine and pour it into the batter. Mix gently until the margarine is fully incorporated and the batter turns rich and glossy.

Incorporate the Flour

Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a smooth, thick batter forms. Avoid overmixing — this keeps your cake soft and tender.

Fold in the Apples and Walnuts

Add the finely chopped apples, a pinch of salt, light corn syrup, and chopped walnuts. Stir well to distribute the fruit and nuts evenly throughout the batter.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Shiny Glaze

While the cake bakes, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup margarine over low heat. Stir in baking soda, sugar, and vanilla extract, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes silky and smooth.

Glaze the Warm Cake

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top. Let it soak in — this step gives the cake its signature glossy finish and deep flavor.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool before slicing into squares. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the rich, buttery crumb infused with sweet apples and a hint of spice. Each bite melts in your mouth — golden, nutty, and irresistibly moist.