Apple Cake Recipe
Enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly baked apple cake that fills your kitchen and warms the heart. This apple cake recipe features tender apples nestled in a moist, flavorful batter, making it a delightful dessert for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Whether served plain or with a scoop of ice cream, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
– 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, while cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g fat, 36g carbohydrates, and 3g protein. This is based on a serving size of 1/8 of the cake.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the sliced apples gently into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
This apple cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve it warm for a comforting dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too many apples can make the cake soggy.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not preheating the oven can affect baking time.
- Using cold eggs can prevent proper mixing.
- Forgetting to grease the pan can cause sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely for easier slicing.
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Can I freeze the apple cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to 3 months.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, serve it warm with ice cream or drizzle it with syrup to add moisture.
How can I enhance the flavor of the cake?
Adding a splash of lemon juice or zest can enhance the apple flavor and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
Conclusion
This apple cake recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a delightful taste that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy with every bite.
Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples peeled and sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the sliced apples gently into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
