This Apple Cake is a delightful blend of warm spices, tender apples, and a moist, buttery crumb. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat, this cake brings out the natural sweetness of apples while balancing it with cinnamon and vanilla. Whether served plain or topped with a caramel glaze, it’s a dessert that evokes nostalgia and warmth.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Tart Apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup Walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Caramel Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup Butter
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Glaze (Optional)
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice and serve the cake warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake:
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Let the cake cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from soaking in too much.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
This Apple Cake is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of caramel, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! 🍏🍰