Fresh Apple Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. This cake is dense and hearty, so a well-prepared pan is essential to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick and glossy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices are subtle but essential—they give the cake its signature warmth and complexity.
4. Fold in the Goodness
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The batter will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should be.

Now, fold in the apples, raisins, pecans, coconut, and cherries. This is where the magic happens. Every spoonful of batter should be bursting with texture and color.

5. Bake to Perfection
   Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
6. Cool and Serve
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cake is best served at room temperature, when the flavors have had time to meld.