Here’s a delicious and simple Apple Cake recipe that combines tender cake with chunks of fresh apples, creating a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Apple Cake Recipe (Serves 8-10)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a slight tang)
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9-inch square baking pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper to make removal easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Sour Cream:
- Mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the batter is smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in Apples and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and optional nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is getting too brown but the cake isn’t fully baked, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a light finish.
Tips:
- Apple Variety: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for added flavor complexity.
- Texture: If you prefer a denser texture, use a little less sour cream or yogurt. If you like a fluffier cake, you can add a tablespoon or two more sour cream.
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can skip them, or substitute them with raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
This Apple Cake is perfect for a cozy dessert or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee. The combination of soft cake and sweet, tender apples will quickly make this recipe a favorite in your home. Enjoy!