Simple Apple Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Dessert
Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This simple apple cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's quick, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses common ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent for a fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the cinnamon's warmth (optional, but recommended!).
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture to the cake.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The star of the show! Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work particularly well.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed to be incredibly user-friendly. Follow these easy steps for a perfect apple cake every time:
1. 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.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. This creates air pockets, contributing to a lighter cake.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and milk until just combined. Don't overmix!
5. Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
6. Fold in Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples. This distributes them evenly throughout the cake.
7. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool & Enjoy:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake:
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Toothpick Test: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
This simple apple cake recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the warm, comforting taste! Let us know in the comments how your apple cake turned out!
