Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s both easy and incredibly delicious? If you’re a fan of apples and cake, you’re in for a treat! Apple cake is a wonderful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the comfort of a moist, fluffy cake. What makes this recipe extra special is that it’s “mostly apples.” That means you get to enjoy the full flavor and texture of this beloved fruit in every bite.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups of apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 4 medium-sized apples)
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Let’s Get Baking!
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start baking our “Mostly Apples” Apple Cake:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This flavorful blend of spices will infuse your cake with that irresistible apple pie aroma.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in those glorious apple slices. They should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will be the delectable topping for your cake.
Step 8: Bake and Enjoy
Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping generously over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What are the best apples for baking a cake?
When it comes to baking a delicious cake, the apples you choose can make a big difference! Some apples work great because they stay firm when baked, like Granny Smith apples. They’re a bit tart, which adds a nice zing to the cake’s sweetness. Honeycrisp apples are awesome too – they’re super juicy and strike a good balance between sweet and tart. And don’t forget Pink Lady apples; they’re firm and have a cool sweet-spicy taste that can really jazz up your cake. Remember, it’s all about what flavors you love the most!
Do they put eggs in apple cake?
Yes, apple cake recipes frequently call for eggs! Eggs give the cake a delightfully fluffy texture and a hint of richness. To get the ideal texture, one or two eggs may be required, depending on the recipe. However, there are eggless apple cake recipes available that replace eggs with other ingredients like applesauce or yogurt to still achieve that amazing texture and flavor if you’re allergic to eggs or just don’t like them!
FAQ
Q1: Can I use any type of apple for apple cakes?
A1: While you can use various apple varieties, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp work exceptionally well in apple cakes.
Q2: Can I freeze leftover apple cake?
A2: Yes, you can! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
Q3: Are there any dairy-free frosting options for apple cakes?
A3: Absolutely! You can make a delicious dairy-free frosting using coconut milk and powdered sugar.
Q4: Can I add nuts or raisins to my apple cake?
A4: Of course! Chopped nuts or plump raisins can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your cake.
Q5: Can I make a sugar-free apple cake?
A5: Yes, you can substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
Mostly Apples Apple Cake
There you have it, a delightful apple cake recipe that’s easy, delicious, and bursting with apple goodness. Share it with friends and family, and you’ll become the designated dessert chef in no time. Enjoy your homemade treat!
So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, grab some apples, and let the baking begin!