Description
This classic Christmas Apple Cake combines tender chopped apples and crunchy walnuts in a moist, warmly spiced batter. With cinnamon enhancing the apple flavor and vanilla adding a touch of sweetness, this cake is the perfect holiday dessert to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Others
- 3 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking and to help it bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This creates the spiced base for the cake batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, incorporating air and flavor into the batter.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to create a smooth batter without overworking it.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold the peeled, chopped apples and chopped walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly for texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter: Pour the combined batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to help it set properly before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing results.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- Store the cake in an airtight container; it stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- For added moisture, brush the cake with apple cider glaze before serving.
