Pastry Education

 Apple cake is a delightful and moist dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of spices like cinnamon. It's a perfect treat for any occasion and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. This guide will take you through each step of making a delicious apple cake from scratch, ensuring that even beginners can achieve a wonderful result. 

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup (115g) of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) of brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk
• 2 cups (about 2 large) of peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Peeler and corer for apples
• Chopping board and knife
• 9-inch (23cm) round or square baking pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature by the time your batter is ready.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease the bottom and sides of your 9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For extra insurance against sticking, you can line the bottom with parchment paper and then grease the parchment.

3. Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and finely chop your apples. Set them aside. The smaller you chop the apples, the more evenly they will distribute throughout the cake, giving you a consistent texture and flavor.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using). This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed in the flour.

5. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.

6. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

7. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

8. Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter using a spatula. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

9. Pour into Pan and Add Topping

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Drizzle the melted butter on top.

10. Bake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so start checking at 40 minutes.

11. Cool the Cake

Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation.
• Chop Apples Evenly: This helps the apples distribute evenly in the cake, ensuring each bite has a balanced flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Conclusion

Making an apple cake is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. With this detailed guide, even beginners can create a moist and delicious apple cake that will impress family and friends. Enjoy baking and savor every bite of your homemade creation!