Baked Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples
- Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small cubes. To prevent them from browning, toss them with the lemon juice in a medium bowl and set aside.
2. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making the cake light. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this stage.
6. Incorporate the Sour Cream
- Add the sour cream to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake, enhancing the flavor of the apples.
7. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cake dense. The batter will be quite thick, which is normal.
8. Fold in the Apples and Nuts
- Gently fold in the diced apples and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using nuts, they add a lovely crunch and contrast to the soft apples.
9. Transfer to the Baking Pan
- Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. The thick batter may require some effort to level, but it will even out during baking.
10. Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on the oven and the moisture content of the apples, so start checking at the 40-minute mark.
11. Cool the Cake
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan if lined with parchment paper. If desired, you can then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
12. Serve
- Before serving, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch. This step is optional but adds a simple elegance. Slice into squares or bars and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- This baked apple cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For a caramel twist, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. The flavors of apple and caramel pair wonderfully together.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven.
Recipe Variations:
- For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly.
- You can also add a handful of raisins or cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a more spiced cake, increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of allspice and cloves.
Enjoy this delightful and moist baked apple cake with its soft texture, warm spices, and bursts of juicy apples. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply as a comforting treat with a cup of coffee or tea.