Are you looking for a dessert that's both simple to prepare and irresistibly sweet? This Chopped Apple Cake recipe might just be your new favorite. With a straightforward list of ingredients and easy steps, you'll be enjoying slices of warm, cinnamon-spiced cake with tender apple chunks in no time. Let's get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 large apples)
Preparation Steps
Follow these steps to bake your delicious chopped apple cake:
- Preheat Oven and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just blended.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooking time might vary depending on your oven.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
🍎 Note: You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes before using.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream or caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
Variation Ideas
- Add Nuts: Incorporate 1⁄2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
- Raisins: Mix in 1⁄2 cup of raisins or currants for a different flavor profile.
- Apple Varieties: Experiment with different types of apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
The chopped apple cake is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for all sorts of occasions. Whether you're having a cozy family dinner or need a simple dessert for an impromptu gathering, this cake stands out with its comforting flavor and texture. Its simplicity also makes it an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious outcome even for beginners.
In wrapping up, this easy-to-make chopped apple cake with its cinnamon essence and tender apple pieces is a testament to how simple ingredients can create memorable flavors. Not only is it a delightful end to any meal, but it also fills your home with the warm scent of baking. Remember to enjoy every bite and perhaps even share a slice with friends or family, as good food is always better when shared.
Can I use a different type of flour?
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While all-purpose flour works best, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour as alternatives. The texture and taste might slightly change, so keep an eye on the baking time.
What can I use if I don’t have brown sugar?
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You can make your own brown sugar by mixing 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This works well as a substitute in this recipe.
How should I store the leftover cake?
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Cover the cake tightly or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week for longer freshness.
