Description
This moist and flavorful Apple Cake recipe features a tender crumb infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, combined with freshly chopped apples for sweetness and texture. Topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crumb, this cake is perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting dessert any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda (2 grams)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar (160 grams)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (200 grams)
- 3 large eggs (150 grams, room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped peeled apples (226 grams, about 2 apples)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14 grams), melted (â…› stick)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside to ensure easy removal of the baked cake.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and baking soda until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth batter base.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Fold in apples: Carefully fold the finely chopped peeled apples into the batter, evenly distributing the fruit throughout the mixture.
- Transfer batter to pan: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula to form an even layer.
- Prepare topping: In a medium bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted unsalted butter. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter in the pan.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating doneness.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 equal pieces and serving.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter emulsification.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
