There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home, especially when it’s a warm cake featuring the delicious flavors of apples and spices. Introducing the Best Apple Cake — a delightful dessert that recruits the natural sweetness of apples and combines it with cozy spices, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the fall season, hosting a family gathering, or just indulging in a sweet bite after dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
This cake offers a stunning presentation with its golden caramel drizzle and moist texture, making it not only a delicious treat but also a feast for the eyes. With its rich, sweet-tart apple filling, you’ll find it’s an incredibly versatile recipe. It’s ideal for quick breakfasts as you rush out the door or as a comforting dessert after a hearty dinner. Plus, should you be looking for healthy snack alternatives, a few minor adjustments can make this cake a lot lighter while still retaining the beloved flavors.
Perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings alike, this Best Apple Cake will surely impress your guests with its generous apple slices and lovely spices. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences by incorporating nuts or varying the types of apples you use. If you’re ready to whip up a cake that fulfills your sweet cravings and delights your palate, read on for the details!
Why You’ll Love This Best Apple Cake
- Flavor Explosion: The mix of sweet and tart apples coupled with warm spices makes every bite irresistible.
- Easy Recipe: Simple steps make this cake straightforward to bake, even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a delicious breakfast, cozy dessert, or a sweet snack anytime during the day.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 10 servings, it’s ideal for gatherings, family meals, or festive occasions.
- Moist Texture: Made with yogurt, this cake remains tender and moist, even after a few days.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start mixing the ingredients for your Best Apple Cake, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your chosen cake pan—a 9-inch round or a bundt pan will work beautifully for this recipe. Having your ingredients measured and ready will simplify the process, so consider using small bowls for organization.
For mixing, you’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk to blend the wet ingredients, and a separate bowl for the dry mix. It’s also helpful to have a spatula handy for folding the mixtures together gently. A peeler, corer, and a sharp knife will be your best tools for preparing the apples. Additionally, don’t forget your cooling rack, which will allow the cake to breathe and set properly after baking, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (mix of tart and sweet)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing or dicing your apples. Use a mix like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, as their flavor profiles balance beautifully. If you desire an extra touch of sweetness, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon and a sprinkle of sugar to enhance their natural flavors. Set the mixture aside, letting the aromas mingle as you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with both granulated and brown sugars. Whisk these until smooth and creamy. Next, crack the eggs into the bowl, adding the egg one at a time for even incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the yogurt or sour cream, which adds moisture and richness to the cake. This step is crucial for a tender crumb, so ensure it’s well blended.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sifting is essential as it aerates the flour, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Once mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; stopping when just combined helps maintain a delicate crumb.
Step 4: Add Apples and Nuts
Now it’s time to introduce the star of the show—the apples! Carefully fold them into the batter, ensuring even distribution. If you’re using nuts, add those as well. They give delightful crunch and flavor. Remember, the key to a successful cake is not to overmix at this stage; you want to keep the apples intact while achieving a homogenous batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the greased cake pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to eliminate any air bubbles that may have formed. Pop it into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 50–60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cooling Time
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. This resting period allows the cake to set, which makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture; cooling it allows the moisture to distribute evenly.
Step 7: Final Touches
For a delectable finish, drizzle the cooled cake with caramel sauce or lightly dust it with powdered sugar before serving. Whether you choose to decorate it or not, this cake is bound to be a hit at your table!
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding protein powder to the mix for an added nutritional boost, if desired.
- Vegetables: For a twist, add grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like ginger or allspice to create your signature flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Using a mix of apples enhances flavor and keeps the texture interesting.
- Lightly coating apples with flour before folding them into the batter can help prevent them from sinking.
- This cake maintains its moistness for several days if stored in an airtight container.
- It’s often considered that the cake tastes even better the next day, giving the flavors time to meld.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the sweetness of the cake.
- A cup of coffee or tea pairs wonderfully for a cozy dessert experience.
Tips
- Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Adjust the granulated sugar levels based on the sweetness of the apples used.
- Feel free to swap out the yogurt for buttermilk for a different texture!
- For a vegetarian version, make sure to choose eggs from humane sources.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 320 per slice
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is tailored for apples, feel free to swap in other fruits like pears or peaches, just adjust the sugar levels accordingly based on the fruit sweetness.
How can I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, consider freezing it in slices, wrapped in plastic wrap and foil.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish if you prefer a sheet cake style. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day ahead of time. Just wait until it is completely cool, wrap it tightly, and store it at room temperature until ready to serve.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a delicious dessert that encapsulates the essence of fall and home baking, the Best Apple Cake is your answer! Its warm, inviting flavors of apple and spices create an unmatched comfort food experience. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying by yourself with a warm cup of tea, this cake boasts versatility across occasions. Don’t hesitate to try out different variations, add your personal touch, or let it shine as is. We encourage you to share your baking experience, variations, and photos with us in the comments, and to spread the word about this remarkable treat with friends and family. Happy baking!
Print
Best Apple Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Best Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with cozy spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (mix of tart and sweet)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing or dicing.
- Mix the wet ingredients, whisking melted butter with sugars, then adding eggs, vanilla, and yogurt.
- Combine the dry ingredients by sifting flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add apples and nuts to the batter, folding gently.
- Bake in a greased pan at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with caramel or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
This cake maintains its moistness for several days if stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal per slice
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g