Apple cake is the perfect dessert that combines sweet, juicy apples with a fluffy, tender cake. It’s a cozy treat that reminds us of autumn and family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, as a dessert for Sunday dinner, or for a simple afternoon snack, this cake is sure to impress everyone. With every slice, you’ll get the delightful blend of flavors that make this recipe a must-try.
What Goes into This Apple Cake
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather everything you need to whip up this delicious apple cake. Here’s a handy list:
- 3 apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for the apples)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 3 eggs
- 140 g sugar (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 110 ml milk (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 tablespoons yogurt or sour cream
- 90 ml vegetable oil (about 1/3 cup)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 200-220 g flour (about 8-9 heaped tablespoons)
- 2-3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing or topping)
Cooking Apple Cake: Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious apple cake everyone will love!
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Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a bowl, toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the juice of half a lemon. Allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F). Grease a baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking later.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 140 g sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the milk, yogurt, and vegetable oil while stirring continuously. Finally, stir in the lemon zest for a fresh kick.
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Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Carefully fold the dry ingredients in until the batter is nice and smooth.
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Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Layer half of the prepared apples on top. Next, add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the apple slices on top.
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Add the Finishing Touch: Brush the apples with melted butter and sprinkle a little sugar on top for an extra sweet touch.
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Bake: Put the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
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Cool and Serve: After baking, let the cake cool slightly before serving. If you’d like, dust it with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
Serve & Enjoy Apple Cake
This apple cake can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can cut it into generous slices and invite your friends and family to enjoy each bite together.
Helpful Tricks for Apple Cake
- Use Different Apples: To add a variety of flavors, try using a mix of sweet and tart apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Add Nuts: If you like some crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Apple Cake FAQs
Can I make this apple cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance, and it will stay tasty in an airtight container. Just be sure to dust with powdered sugar right before serving.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
For the best flavor, choose apples that are good for baking, such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn.
Can I freeze leftover cake?
Yes, you can freeze the apple cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
There you have it! A simple and delightful apple cake that’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite of this sweet, baked goodness!