This Apple Cake recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with a blend of warm spices and a moist, fluffy texture. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy family dinners, or as a comforting dessert on a chilly day, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore. Whether enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or on its own, this apple cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 large apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. - Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Add Sour Cream or Yogurt:
Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) until combined, ensuring the batter is smooth. - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix. - Fold in Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced apples and, if using, chopped walnuts or pecans. The apples will release some juice, creating a moist batter. - Transfer to Cake Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the top with a tablespoon of brown sugar for a slight caramelized finish. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent with aluminum foil and continue baking. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust the cake with powdered sugar, if desired. - Enjoy:
Slice and serve! This cake is perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy a slice of warm, spiced goodness!