There’s something special about a family recipe that has stood the test of time. Grandma Peggy’s Old-Fashioned Apple Cake is one of those treasured desserts that never goes out of style. Filled with fresh Granny Smith apples, crunchy walnuts, sweet coconut, and warm cinnamon, this cake delivers incredible flavor and moisture in every bite.
What truly sets this classic apple Bundt cake apart is the rich buttermilk glaze. Poured over the warm cake, it seeps into every crevice, creating a sweet, buttery finish that makes this dessert unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1¼ cups vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 cups grated unpeeled Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
For the Buttermilk Glaze
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup buttermilk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Grease and flour a 10 to 12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Orange juice
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Using a spatula, fold in:
- Grated Granny Smith apples
- Chopped walnuts
- Shredded coconut
Mix gently until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 75 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Carefully invert onto a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
Using a wooden skewer or toothpick, poke holes all over the top and sides of the warm cake.
Step 7: Make the Buttermilk Glaze
In a saucepan, combine:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Salted butter
- Baking soda
- Buttermilk
Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously.
Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and lightly golden.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake
Slowly pour the hot glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
Mix the confectioners' sugar with the remaining ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and lightly dust over the cake.
Allow the cake to rest for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature
Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Helpful Tips
Leave the Apple Skins On
The apple peel adds extra texture, color, and natural moisture while helping the cake maintain its structure.
Use Fresh Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the cake.
Glaze While Warm
Pouring the glaze over a warm cake allows it to penetrate deeply, creating an incredibly moist texture.
Don't Skip the Resting Time
Allowing the cake to rest helps the glaze fully absorb and develop its signature flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What apples work best for this cake?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the cake and glaze.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes. Pecans make an excellent substitute, or you can omit the nuts entirely.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavor often improves after several hours as the glaze continues to soak into the cake.
Can I use a loaf pan instead of a Bundt pan?
Yes, but baking times will need to be adjusted depending on the size of the pans used.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Rest Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 slices
- Difficulty: Medium
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
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