Best Apple Cake Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of Best Apple Cake on a cozy afternoon, is there? I mean, I just want to grab a piece, a cup of tea, and sink into the deliciousness that makes fall feel like the best season ever. Trust me, if you’re anything like me, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your home. Let me share with you how to make this scrumptious cake that brightens my kitchen and my heart.
What Is Best Apple Cake?
The Best Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with warm spices, all wrapped up in a moist, fluffy cake. It’s perfect for celebrations, a cozy family dessert, or even just because you need a little treat in your life. The joy of biting into this cake is simply irresistible, and the aroma filling your home as it bakes? Absolute bliss!
Ingredients Overview for Best Apple Cake
To whip up this tender, flavorful Best Apple Cake, you won’t need a ton of fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Apples: 3-4 medium-sized, peeled and diced (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but feel free to mix it up!)
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, which helps create that perfect cake texture.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups to add sweetness and moisture.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup for a richer flavor and color.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon, to give that lovely lift.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon to balance out the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, because who doesn’t love the warmth it brings?
- Eggs: 3 large, providing structure and richness.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 cup for a moist crumb (you can swap this with unsweetened applesauce if you want a lighter version!).
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to deepen that lovely flavor.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): 1 cup of walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch if you’re into that.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Best Apple Cake
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into making this Best Apple Cake!
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot while you mix everything.
- Grease the Pan: Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Sugars and Eggs: In another mixing bowl, blend the granulated and brown sugars with the eggs until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the oil and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, mixing until combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts if you’re using them.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
- Bake: Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Serving Suggestions
Once your Best Apple Cake is ready, it’s time to dig in! You can enjoy it plain or dress it up a bit. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is heavenly! Drizzling a bit of caramel sauce adds a lovely touch, too. And for a little fun, how about a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful finish? Perfect for impressing your guests or just indulging yourself.
Tips For The Perfect Best Apple Cake
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more balanced flavor.
- Chop Evenly: Try to cut your apples into similarly-sized pieces for even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cake to cool before serving to let the flavors mingle.
Q&A Section
1. Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
2. What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can substitute with baking soda; just use 1/3 of the amount of baking powder you need.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a week.
4. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Definitely! The flavors actually improve after a day or two, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Why You’ll Love It
You’re going to adore this Best Apple Cake not only for its incredible flavor but also for how easy it is to whip up. The blend of spices and fresh apples creates a mouthwatering treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect dessert for gatherings or just a sweet way to treat yourself after a long day.
Behind The Scenes
When I first set out to create the Best Apple Cake, let me tell you, I had a bit of a rollercoaster ride. The first few batches didn’t really hit the mark; they were either too dry or didn’t have enough apple flavor. But after tinkering with the ingredient ratios and baking times, I finally nailed it! The smell wafting through my kitchen was heaven, and once I took that first bite, I knew I had something special. If you’re interested in seeing more of my tasty adventures and recipes, head over to my Pinterest page MyRecipeCast for a ton of inspiration.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those apples and let’s get baking! You’ll be so glad you did. Happy baking, friends!
Best Apple Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors of apples with warm spices in a moist, fluffy cake.
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Blend granulated and brown sugars with eggs until light and fluffy in another bowl.
- Add oil and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and nuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, mix sweet and tart apples and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg