Description
Grandma’s classic Apple Cake brings nostalgic warmth from her German kitchen, blending sweet cinnamon notes with tender fruit. Delicate spices and rich buttery layers invite you to savor a slice of comforting family tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ cup milk
Fruit and Nuts:
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by coating with butter and flour, ensuring a non-stick surface for the apple-studded confection. Select a 9-inch round or square pan for optimal results.
- Create a fragrant dry mixture by whisking flour, leavening agents, warm spices, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. The combination will provide structural integrity and aromatic complexity to the cake.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, voluminous texture. Incorporate eggs individually, allowing each to fully integrate before adding the next. Infuse with vanilla for depth of flavor.
- Carefully introduce the spiced flour mixture into the creamy base, alternating with yogurt and milk. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined, maintaining a tender crumb structure.
- Delicately fold diced apples and optional nuts throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution of fruit and potential crunch.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to create an even layer. Position in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when a inserted toothpick emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, facilitating easy removal. Complete cooling on a wire rack, then embellish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a luxurious caramel drizzle before serving.
Notes
- Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for varied flavor profiles and textures in your cake.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent cake texture, preventing lumps and uneven baking.
- Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or applesauce for moisture and to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
- Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch, creating more depth in the cake’s overall taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg