Easy Apple Cake Recipe: A Simple Delight for Any Occasion
This easy apple cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike! It's moist, delicious, and requires minimal ingredients and effort. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet satisfying dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe prioritizes simplicity and deliciousness. We've focused on using readily available ingredients and a straightforward method to ensure a successful bake every time. The result? A wonderfully moist and flavorful apple cake that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration. It's also easily adaptable – feel free to experiment with different spices and frostings to make it your own!
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Our leavening agent for a light and fluffy cake.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the apples beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg adds complexity to the flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: For richness and moisture.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the apples.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples: The star of the show! Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work particularly well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
- Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness. A mix of apples can be delicious!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth.
- Glaze or Frosting: Enhance your cake with a simple glaze or a cream cheese frosting. Get creative!
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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