Delicious Apple Cake: A Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe

Introduction

This delicious apple cake is a warm and comforting fall dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chunks of apples and a hint of cinnamon, it’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

A close-up view of a thick slice of apple cake showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a dense, moist brown cake with a rough texture; the middle layer has soft, light yellow apple slices that are embedded within the cake; the top layer is a caramelized brown crust with a crumbly texture, dotted with powdered sugar and small crunchy bits, and a glossy drip of caramel sauce running down the side. The cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 4 cups peeled and diced apples (about 4 medium apples)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
  7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and spread it evenly.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 45-50 minutes for a 9×13 pan or 30-35 minutes for round pans, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Step 9: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra moisture, toss the diced apples with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning before folding them into the batter.
  • Swap out the walnuts or pecans for toasted almonds or leave nuts out entirely if preferred.
  • Add a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a spicier flavor profile.
  • Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

A close-up of a thick slice of apple cake with three main layers: the bottom layer is a dense, moist golden-brown cake with visible pieces of cooked apple inside; the middle layer consists of soft, caramelized apple slices covered in a shiny, sticky caramel sauce that drips slightly down the sides; the top layer is a textured, crumbly cake crust sprinkled with powdered sugar, with irregular apple chunks peeking through. The cake slice sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best as they hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Print

Delicious Apple Cake: A Perfect Fall Dessert Recipe

This Delicious Apple Cake is a perfect fall dessert that combines tender, moist cake with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy nuts. Ideal for cozy gatherings or an indulgent treat, it features a classic balance of flavors with a soft crumb and a delightful texture.

  • Author: rami
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Additional Ingredients

  • 4 cups peeled and diced apples (about 4 medium apples)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples along with the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
  7. Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the previously greased and floured baking pan(s) and spread evenly with a spatula or spoon.
  8. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan or 30 to 35 minutes for 9-inch round pans. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
  9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, consider adding a little applesauce to the batter.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Walnuts or pecans add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for nut-free version.
  • Cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Leftover cake can be warmed slightly before serving for a fresh-baked feel.

Keywords: apple cake, fall dessert, cinnamon apple cake, moist cake, apple dessert

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