Apple Cake Recipe
Apple cake is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples with the sweetness of cake. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, this recipe promises to be a hit with everyone. Here’s how you can create your own delicious apple cake at home!
Ingredients:
- Apples: 3 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
- Sugar: 1 cup (200g), plus extra for sprinkling over the apples.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs, at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups (190g).
- Baking Powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml).
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (115g), melted and cooled.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting (optional).
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Apples: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with a sprinkle of sugar (about 2 tablespoons) to coat them lightly. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Fold in the melted butter gently until incorporated.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange half of the sliced apples evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and arrange the rest of the apples on top. Press them slightly into the batter.
- Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Apple Selection: Choose firm apples that hold their shape well during baking.
- Texture: The cake should have a moist crumb, so avoid overmixing the batter.
- Variations: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced version.
Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Cake!
Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served plain with a cup of coffee, this apple cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its moist texture and sweet apple flavor make it a perfect dessert for any time of year. Experiment with different apple varieties or add your own twist with nuts or a caramel drizzle. However you make it, this apple cake recipe will surely become a favorite in your household!