Description
This Apple Pie Cake combines the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple pie with the soft, moist texture of a cake. Thinly sliced apples coated in cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar are layered within a tender vanilla-scented batter, resulting in a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apples
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Toss Apples with Lemon Juice: In a bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them fresh.
- Coat Apples with Sugars and Spices: In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the apples and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Beat Butter and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Batter: Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange half of the coated apple slices over the batter evenly.
- Add Remaining Batter and Apples: Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the surface with a spatula. Arrange the remaining apple slices on top to create a beautiful layered look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans between the layers.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie cake, apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, baked apple dessert, fall desserts
