Apple cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the wonderful flavors of fall or anytime you want something sweet and comforting. This delightful cake comes packed with fresh apple slices and a hint of cinnamon, creating a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, this apple cake is sure to become a family favorite with its moist texture and wonderful balance of sweetness.
What You’ll Need for Apple Cake
Before we dive into making this delicious treat, let’s gather everything you need. Here’s a list of ingredients to get you started:
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
- 120 g (½ cup) sour cream
- 220 g (1¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3-4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cinnamon to taste (optional)
- 30 g (¼ cup) flour for topping
- 30 g (¼ cup) sugar for topping
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) cold butter
Step-by-Step Apple Cake Recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on creating your apple cake! Follow these simple steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, salt, and vanilla sugar.
- Add the granulated sugar, mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light and frothy.
- Pour in the vegetable oil and sour cream, then mix on low speed until everything is well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder together. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Wash, peel, and core the apples. Slice them thinly and toss with sugar and cinnamon, if using.
- Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly, and then arrange the apple slices on top.
- For the topping, mix together the flour and sugar. Add the cold, torn butter. Mix until you have a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Apple Cake
This apple cake is wonderfully versatile! You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Helpful Tricks for Apple Cake
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Gala, Granny Smith, or Fuji are great choices.
- Make It Extra Moist: If you want to experiment, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: To keep your apple cake delicious for longer, cover it loosely with foil or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Apple Cake FAQs
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute or mix in other fruits like pears or berries for a different flavor profile!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead of serving. Just store it covered, and it’ll taste even better the next day!
How do I know when my apple cake is done?
The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh apple cake wafting through your home. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every slice of this deliciousness! Happy baking!