Enjoy the comforting flavors of our Classic Apple Cake, a perfect blend of tender apples, warm spices, and a moist, buttery cake. This dessert is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a special celebration. The natural sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Let’s get baking and bring the taste of autumn to your table!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized cake pan.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Pour into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Prepare
The key to this delicious apple cake lies in the quality of the apples and the blend of spices. Choosing a variety of apples that hold their shape and have a balance of sweet and tart flavors will enhance the cake’s overall taste. The brown sugar and cinnamon topping adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness, making each bite irresistible.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of fruit? Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or berries for a different flavor.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely. The cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- What can I serve with Apple Cake? It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour.
- How can I make this cake spicier? Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients for an extra spice kick.