Imagine the aroma of sweet apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen as this delightful baked apple cake rises in the oven. This dessert is a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort, combining tender, buttery cake with juicy apple chunks to create a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a weekend baking project, this cake is bound to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked apple cake strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. The abundance of apples ensures every bite is juicy and packed with flavor, while the buttery batter holds it all together, offering a moist, tender crumb. Plus, the addition of cinnamon gives it a warm and cozy touch that makes it perfect for any occasion, especially during fall and winter months.
Ingredients
To prepare this irresistible apple cake, you’ll need the following:
For the Cake
- Margarine or Butter: 150 g (2/3 cup), softened
- Sugar: 120 g (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- Eggs: 3
- Flour: 220 g (1 3/4 cups), sifted
- Baking Powder: 1/2 package (approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Apples: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), peeled, cored, and cut into large pieces
- Fat: For greasing the mold
For the Topping
- Butter: For spreading over the cake during baking
- Cinnamon and Sugar: To sprinkle on top
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 26 cm (10-inch) springform pan generously with butter or margarine. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick to the pan and releases easily once baked.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened margarine or butter with the sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cake texture.
3. Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated. The batter will become smooth and slightly glossy.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour and baking powder to remove any lumps. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake.
5. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and cut the apples into large pieces, roughly eighths or quarters, depending on their size. The generous quantity of apples is what makes this cake so moist and flavorful. Fold the apple pieces into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
6. Assemble and Bake
Pour the apple-batter mixture into the prepared springform pan. Smooth the top as much as possible, but don’t worry if it looks uneven—this is part of the charm of an apple cake. Place the pan on the bottom rack of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour.
7. Add Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar
After 45 minutes of baking, open the oven and generously spread butter over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to your taste. This step adds a delightful crunch and enhances the cake’s flavor profile.
8. Finish Baking
Continue baking the cake for the remaining 15 minutes. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with a piece of baking paper to prevent burning.
9. Cool and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan. Once it’s cool enough to handle, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm. This cake is especially delightful when paired with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense texture. Mix until just combined.
- Generous Apple Chunks: The large apple pieces ensure the cake remains juicy and flavorful, so don’t cut them too small.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Balance: Adjust the cinnamon and sugar topping to suit your preference for sweetness and spice.
Serving Suggestions
This baked apple cake is versatile and can be served in several ways:
- Warm with Cream: Serve slices warm with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for a luxurious treat.
- With Ice Cream: Pair it with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a classic combination.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful pick-me-up.
Storing and Reheating
- At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature or reheat individual slices before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before enjoying.
Why This Apple Cake is a Must-Try
This baked apple cake embodies everything we love about homemade desserts: it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers incredible flavor. The combination of juicy apples, buttery batter, and a cinnamon-sugar crust makes it irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Oil Instead of Butter?
While butter adds richness and flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, for a slightly different texture.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent the Cake from Sticking?
Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or margarine, and consider dusting it with a light coating of flour or lining it with parchment paper.
Can I Add Nuts or Raisins?
Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This baked apple cake is a dessert that celebrates the beauty of simplicity. With its rich, buttery batter and an abundance of tender, spiced apples, it’s a treat that never fails to delight. Serve it at gatherings, as a weeknight dessert, or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite!