Simple Apple Cake ππ°
Overview:
This delightful Apple Cake is the perfect dessert or after-school treat, especially during the crisp, apple-picking season. Originally sourced from the pages of Bon Appetit (October, 1982), this recipe promises a moist, flavorful cake packed with the goodness of fresh apples π. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of the season in under an hour!
General Information:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Apple, Fruit, Low Protein, < 60 Mins, Oven
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 241.4
- Fat: 10.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 35.2mg
- Sodium: 42.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 26.9g
- Protein: 2.3g
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
5 | Apples |
1 1/4 | cups Sugar |
1/2 | tsp Cinnamon |
2 | Eggs |
1 | cup Flour |
1 | tsp Baking Powder |
1/2 | cup Powdered Sugar |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Prepare the Pan:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring that the cake won’t stick after baking.
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Prepare the Apples:
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly. In a bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 cup of sugar and the cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated in this sweet, spicy mixture.
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Layer the Apples:
- Arrange the cinnamon-sugar-coated apple slices in a single, even layer in the prepared baking pan. This will form the fruity base of your cake.
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, and the remaining sugar until you have a smooth batter. This will be the delicious cakey part that holds everything together.
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Combine Wet and Dry:
- Stir in the oil into the batter mixture until it’s well incorporated. This will add moisture and richness to your cake.
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Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the prepared batter over the layer of apples in the baking pan. The batter will envelop the apples, creating a lovely, rustic-looking cake.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples π.
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Optional Finish:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. If desired, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
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Serve and Enjoy!:
- Cut the Apple Cake into squares while it’s still warm. Each slice will reveal tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled within a moist, golden cake. It’s best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, or perhaps a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat π¨.
Tips and Tricks:
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Apple Selection:
- Use your favorite apple variety for this cake. Some good options include Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of different types for a varied flavor profile.
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Texture Variation:
- For a chunkier texture, chop the apples into smaller pieces instead of slicing them thinly. This will result in delicious pockets of soft apple goodness in every bite.
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Make it Gluten-Free:
- Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Storage:
- Store any leftover Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness, though the texture may become denser.
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Reheating:
- To enjoy leftover cake, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until heated through. This will revive its freshness and make it taste as delicious as when it was first baked.
Final Thoughts:
This Apple Cake recipe is a timeless classic, perfect for any occasion where you want to savor the flavors of fall π. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family dessert or as a sweet treat to share with friends, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its tender apples, comforting cinnamon, and moist cake crumb, each bite is a delightful taste of the season. So go ahead, preheat that oven, gather your apples, and get ready to enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade Apple Cake!