Moist Apple Cake Recipe 🍎🍰
This simple apple cake is a timeless dessert, bursting with the natural sweetness of apples, enhanced by a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. With its soft and moist texture, it’s perfect as a tea-time snack, a breakfast treat, or a dessert after dinner. Let’s dive into making this delightful cake!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (500 g), diced and unpeeled
- 3 large eggs
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) milk
- 150 g (3/4 cup) cane sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 300 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) seed oil or any mildly flavored oil
- 10 g (2 teaspoons) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Line a baking pan with parchment paper or grease and flour it to prevent sticking.
2. Chop the Apples:
Dice the apples into small pieces, leaving the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Set them aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and cane sugar together using a whisk or hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and frothy. Add the following ingredients, one at a time, whisking after each addition:
- Lemon zest
- Milk
- Seed oil
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Ensure the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
5. Fold in the Apples:
Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter using a spatula. Stir gently to ensure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, ensuring the batter is evenly spread.
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
8. 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 slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
This apple cake is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Plain: Enjoy the simple flavors as is.
- With Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze for added sweetness.
- With Sides: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
Tips for Success:
- Apple Choices: Use firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for the best flavor and texture.
- Texture Variation: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- Oil Substitution: You can replace the seed oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
(Based on 10 servings)
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~35 g
- Protein: ~4 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
Conclusion:
This moist and flavorful apple cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is easy to make. The combination of sweet apples, a hint of cinnamon, and the zesty brightness of lemon make it perfect for any occasion. Whip up this cake for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon treat, or a delightful addition to your dessert table.
Enjoy every slice! 🍎✨