Thinly sliced apples create rich, moist layers of fruit within this cake.

It isn’t hard to understand why this fresh apple cake recipe is atop-rated reader favorite dessert.

Wrap and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to three months.

Southern Living - Fresh Apple Cake

Credit:Hannah Zimmerman

If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or at least two hours before serving.

If frozen, thaw before serving.

More Apple Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Nothing says fall like fresh apple cake.

ingredients for Fresh Apple Cake

Credit:Hannah Zimmerman

groundcinnamon

1 tsp.baking soda

1tsp.

Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch pan with cooking spray.

Add flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda and stir until blended.

Southern Living Fresh Apple Cake

Credit:Hannah Zimmerman

Stir in apples and 1 cup pecans.

Hannh Zimmerman

Spread thick batter into prepared pan.

Cool completely in pan on a wire rack for at least 30-45 minutes.

toasting pecans

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Add frosting and finish:

Spread frosting over cooled cake and sprinkle with remaining pecans.

This cake can also be baked as cupcakes, or as two 8- or 9-inch cakes.

The baking time will need to be adjusted.

adding apple and nuts to cake batter for Fresh Apple Cake

Credit:Hannh Zimmerman

This thick batter results in an extra-moist apple cake that rises up to coat the sliced apples.

fresh apple cake batter in cake pan

Credit:Hannah Zimmerman

checking fresh apple cake for doneness

Credit:Hannah Zimmerman

adding pecans to fresh apple cake with cream cheese frosting

Credit:Hannah Zimmerman