Simple and Delicious Easy Apple Cake Recipe

If you're looking for a scrumptious treat that combines the warmth of autumn with the simplicity of home baking, you're in the right place. This Easy Apple Cake Recipe will delight your senses with every bite, delivering the sweet taste of apple wrapped in a tender, moist cake. Ideal for baking beginners or anyone craving something sweet and straightforward, this recipe is a testament to how straightforward ingredients can come together to create something delightful.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this luscious apple cake:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
• 2 cups of peeled, cored, and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or a similar tart apple)
• ¹⁄₄ cup of brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

With these ingredients at the ready, you’re all set to begin your baking adventure!

Step-by-Step Guide

Here is how to create your apple cake:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix the following dry ingredients together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer or by hand, cream together:

• Butter
• Granulated sugar

Continue until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients in stages:

• Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. This ensures the batter does not become too thin or over-mixed.

6. Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the diced apples, and if you’re using them, add the walnuts or pecans.

7. Pour Batter into Pan

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

8. Add Topping

Before baking, sprinkle the top of the cake with:

• Brown sugar for a delightful, caramelized top crust.

9. Bake the Cake

• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

10. Cool the Cake

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🏷️ Note: Cakes need time to cool; rushing can cause the cake to break or become overly dense when cut.

11. Serve and Enjoy

• If you wish, dust with powdered sugar before serving. The cake is delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

In summary, this easy apple cake recipe proves that simple ingredients and a straightforward process can yield a cake that's moist, flavorful, and reminiscent of a cozy fall afternoon. From the crunch of the apples to the subtle hint of spices, each bite delivers comfort. Baking this cake not only fills your kitchen with the delightful aromas of cinnamon and apple but also offers a perfect opportunity to spend quality time in the kitchen. Whether you're baking it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just for a comforting treat after dinner, this apple cake will not disappoint. It's a versatile dessert that stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness, proving that you don't need to be a seasoned baker to create something truly special.