Quick & Easy Apple Cake Recipe
The Quick & Easy Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and a soft, fluffy texture, all thanks to rice flour. What makes this recipe even more unique is the accidental discovery of using rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. This happy accident has resulted in a cake that is both moist and delicious, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. This cake is perfect for those looking for a gluten-free alternative or simply seeking a different twist on the classic apple cake.
Whether served as a snack for kids, a lovely dessert after dinner, or a light tea-time treat, this apple cake will surely be loved by all. With a preparation time of only 20 minutes and a cooking time of 60 minutes, you can easily whip it up even on the busiest of days.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour (or all-purpose flour) | 1 ½ cups |
| Cinnamon powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Caster sugar | ½ cup |
| Whole eggs (or flaxmeal egg replacer) | 2 whole eggs |
| Oil | ½ cup |
| Fresh cream | ½ cup |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Rum (or brandy) | 2 teaspoons |
| Apples (peeled and sliced or diced) | 3 apples |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan or a 9-inch circular springform pan. Set the pan aside. -
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the rice flour (or all-purpose flour), baking powder, and cinnamon powder together. Set aside for later use. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another large bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the whole eggs (or flaxmeal egg replacer), oil, vanilla extract, fresh cream, buttermilk, caster sugar, and rum until fluffy and smooth. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. -
Add Apples:
Gently fold in the sliced or diced apples into the batter. Set a few slices aside to decorate the top of the cake. -
Prepare the Cake for Baking:
Scrape the batter into the greased pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the reserved apple slices on top of the cake batter, gently pressing them down so they are slightly coated with the batter. -
Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. To test if the cake is ready, insert a toothpick or knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. The cake can be enjoyed as a snack or paired with a hot cup of tea.
Allergen Information:
- Contains eggs, dairy (fresh cream, buttermilk), and gluten (if using all-purpose flour instead of rice flour).
- The recipe can be made gluten-free by sticking to rice flour and using flaxmeal as an egg replacer.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes (if rice flour is used)
- Dairy-Free: Can be made dairy-free by substituting fresh cream and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives.
Tips & Advice:
- Egg Substitution: If you prefer a vegan version, use flaxmeal egg replacer (1 tablespoon of flaxmeal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
- Apple Varieties: Choose apples that are slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn, to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Storage: This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Conclusion:
This Quick & Easy Apple Cake is the epitome of simplicity and flavor, bringing together the sweet aroma of apples with the comforting essence of cinnamon in a soft, moist cake. The surprise ingredient – rice flour – elevates the texture to a light, airy, and gluten-free perfection. Whether you serve it as a delightful snack, a dessert for a gathering, or a tea-time treat, this apple cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
