The Absolutely Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that features fresh apples as the star ingredient. With a rich history of apple-based baked goods, this cake is a wonderful addition to the world of culinary delights. Its components include a moist cake base, a generous layer of sliced or diced apples, and a flavorful blend of spices. The preparation involves several steps that result in a mouthwatering treat. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Steps:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×9-inch square baking pan. -
Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and set aside. -
Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until well combined and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. -
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. -
Assemble the Cake:
Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Layer the diced apples over the batter. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the apples if using. Spread the remaining batter over the apples, smoothing the top. -
Add Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake. -
Bake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve the Absolutely Apple Cake on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Total Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Absolutely Apple Cake is approximately 20-25 minutes, and the baking time is around 45-50 minutes. Therefore, the total time needed from start to finish is about 1 hour and 5-15 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Absolutely Apple Cake that perfectly captures the rich flavors of fresh apples and warm spices!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for an average serving of Absolutely Apple Cake:
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 3g
Health Information:
- Moderation: While Absolutely Apple Cake is a delightful treat, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its calorie and sugar content.
- Fiber: The presence of dietary fiber from apples can contribute to digestive health and provide a sense of fullness.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
- Added Sugars: Be mindful of the sugar content in the cake, as it can contribute to increased calorie intake and potential health concerns if consumed excessively.
- Nutrient Balance: Pairing the cake with a source of protein or healthy fats can help balance the meal and reduce the impact of rapid blood sugar spikes.
- Whole Ingredients: The use of real apples in the recipe provides natural flavor, fiber, and nutrients compared to highly processed alternatives.
- Customization: You can experiment with healthier ingredient substitutions, such as using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar, to make the cake slightly more nutritious.
- Occasional Indulgence: Enjoy the Absolutely Apple Cake as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet to maintain overall health.
Remember that individual nutritional needs can vary, so it’s a good idea to consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns or goals.
