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Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick once it’s baked.
- Prepare the Apples and Cherries: Peel, core, and dice your apples into small chunks. If you’d like to keep them from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice. Next, chop the dried cherries into smaller pieces to make sure they distribute evenly throughout the cake.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The more air you incorporate into the butter and sugar, the fluffier your cake will be!
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Incorporate the Sour Cream: Add the sour cream (or yogurt) to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. This adds moisture to the cake and helps make it wonderfully tender.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense.
- Fold in the Apples and Cherries: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped dried cherries. Be sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step adds texture and flavor that makes each bite a treat.
- Transfer to the Cake Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter to create a sweet, spiced crust.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and smell deliciously aromatic.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve slices as is, or dust with powdered sugar for a more festive touch. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake with Dried Cherries:
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg evokes the essence of autumn, while the dried cherries add a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Moist and Tender: The addition of sour cream (or yogurt) ensures the cake remains moist and soft, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy any time of the day.
- Simple and Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward dessert.
- Versatile: While this cake is a great treat for fall, it’s delicious enough to enjoy year-round. You can even substitute the dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or raisins if you prefer.
- Great for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, sending a treat to a friend, or baking something special for your family, this cake is sure to impress. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy weekend afternoon.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake:
- Use Firm Apples: Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold up well when baked and maintain their shape, ensuring your cake has that lovely apple texture.
- Chop the Apples Evenly: To ensure even distribution throughout the cake, try to chop the apples and cherries into uniform pieces. This helps the flavors blend better.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment.
Conclusion:
This Apple Cake with Dried Cherries is a celebration of fall’s best flavors, blending the sweetness of apples with the tang of cherries for a comforting and satisfying dessert. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a treat that everyone will love—whether they’re savoring it after a hearty meal or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea. With its moist texture and delightful flavor combination, this cake is sure to become a family favorite in your home as well.
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