Moist Apple Cake

Moist Apple Cake

Introduction

This Moist Apple Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that brings out the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh apples, making it a perfect treat for autumn or any time of year when you crave something cozy and fruity.

With a tender, moist crumb and chunks of apples in every bite, this cake is a delightful way to celebrate apple season.

It’s lightly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, which enhance the apple flavor without overpowering it.

Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, this apple cake is simple yet elegant enough for gatherings, tea time, or just as a treat with your morning coffee.

It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is a great way to use up any apples you might have on hand.

Ingredients

To make this delicious and easy Apple Cake, you will need:

2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar

1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil for a lighter version)

3 large eggs

1/2 cup of milk (you can also use almond milk or any dairy-free alternative)

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes (about 3 cups of apple chunks)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. You can use any variety of apples, but tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp work particularly well.
2. Set the chopped apples aside.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake tough.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

1. Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon. The batter should be thick and packed with apples.
2. Make sure the apple pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter so each bite has a good balance of cake and apple.

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
2. Smooth the top of the batter, and tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. The cake should be golden brown on top, and the edges will pull slightly away from the sides of the pan when done.
3. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Once slightly cooled, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish, if desired.

Conclusion

This Moist Apple Cake is a timeless dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Each slice is packed with tender, juicy apple pieces that lend natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.

The cinnamon adds a hint of spice, perfectly complementing the apples and making this cake cozy and fragrant.

This apple cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed plain, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or with a dollop of whipped cream.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or savoring it alone, this cake is sure to bring warmth and joy with every bite.

Enjoy a slice of this delicious apple cake with a cup of coffee or tea, and celebrate the simple pleasures of baking at home!