Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious Apple Cake:
Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or regular milk, but buttermilk adds a nice tang)
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3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any tart apple works best)
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1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
For the Topping (optional):
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar-sized baking pan (you can also line it with parchment paper).
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Set aside.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar:
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk for this.
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Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix again.
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Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; don’t overmix.
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Fold in the Apples:
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Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick, which is perfectly fine.
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Pour into the Pan:
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
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Prepare the Topping (optional):
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If you want a sweet, cinnamon-sugar topping, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cake batter.
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Bake:
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Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (it may have a few moist crumbs, but it shouldn’t be wet).
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Cool and Serve:
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, you can dust it with a bit of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
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Optional Variations:
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
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Spices: Feel free to experiment by adding other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a richer flavor.
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Crispier Crust: For a more crunchy crust, you can top the cake with a mixture of oats and brown sugar before baking.
Storage:
This apple cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2-3 months.
This Apple Cake has just the right amount of sweetness, and the apples keep it moist. It’s an easy dessert that feels homemade and perfect for any occasion. Would you pair it with some ice cream, or maybe a dollop of whipped cream?