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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the previously greased and floured baking pan(s) and spread evenly with a spatula or spoon.
- 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.
- 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
