Classic Apple Cake: A Sweet and Spiced Delight

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

1. 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.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Fold in the Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans.
7. Pour into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.