Apple Cake With Tosco Topping

Apple Cake with Tosco Topping

Ingredients

For the Apple Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

For the Tosco Topping:

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100g) sliced almonds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Start by preparing the apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small cubes. Choose a variety of apples that are good for baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples maintain their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
2. After dicing, set the apples aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan or a deep-dish cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices will give the cake a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
2. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. The batter will be thick.
5. Fold the diced apples into the batter gently with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. The cake will rise and create a slightly domed top as it bakes.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of warm spices and apples.
3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Tosco Topping

1. While the cake is baking, prepare the Tosco topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sliced almonds. The topping should be glossy and slightly thickened.
3. Let the Tosco topping cool for a few minutes until it is thick but still pourable.

Step 6: Apply the Tosco Topping

1. Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, spoon the Tosco topping over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the surface. The topping will set as it cools, creating a sweet, crunchy layer on top of the moist apple cake.
2. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving, so the topping fully sets and the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the cake into generous wedges and serve it as a dessert or a special treat with coffee or tea. The combination of the tender, spiced apple cake with the rich, nutty Tosco topping is simply irresistible.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the cake even more delicious the next day.

This Apple Cake with Tosco Topping is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy weekend treat. The warm spices and sweet apples make it a comforting and flavorful dessert, while the Tosco topping adds a delightful crunch that takes this cake to the next level. Enjoy!