Description
This Apple Pie Cake combines the classic flavors of apple pie with a moist, tender cake base. Featuring spiced apple slices layered within a vanilla-infused batter, this dessert bakes to golden perfection and offers the comforting taste of cinnamon and brown sugar in every bite. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a delicious apple dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Apple Mixture
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later incorporation into the batter.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and a dense cake.
- Prepare apples: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, making sure all slices are evenly coated for a balanced cinnamon-sugar flavor.
- Layer batter and apples: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Arrange half of the cinnamon-brown sugar coated apple slices over this layer.
- Add remaining batter and apples: Spread the remaining cake batter over the first apple layer, then top with the remaining apple slices evenly distributed on top.
- Bake the cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set before carefully removing it. Then transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely, which ensures the texture firms up properly.
- Optional finishing touch: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving to add a decorative touch and slight sweetness.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tart flavor.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best creaming results.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake texture.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg into the apple mixture if desired.
- The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
