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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or an 8×8 square pan if you prefer). You can also line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this bowl aside—this mixture will add structure and flavor to your cake.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The butter and sugar mixture should look pale and smooth when done.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and well-combined.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
6. Fold in the Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts or pecans (if using) into the batter. This will ensure that the apples are evenly distributed throughout the cake, giving every slice a sweet, fruity bite.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan.
8. Cool the Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cake needs to be fully cooled before you drizzle it with the sweet glaze to ensure it doesn’t melt away too quickly.
9. Make the Sweet Glaze:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
10. Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the sweet glaze generously over the top. You can let the glaze drip down the sides of the cake for an extra touch of elegance.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the cake into slices and serve! Each piece is a delightful combination of tender cake, sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and the finishing touch of the sugary glaze.
Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Cake:
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples. These varieties give a nice balance of sweetness and tartness to the cake.
- Use Fresh Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg are the heart of this cake’s flavor, so using fresh spices can elevate the taste. Ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg can make a world of difference.
- Chill the Dough for Extra Moisture: If you have time, chill the batter for about 20 minutes before baking. This step helps the cake develop a more tender crumb and gives the apples a little extra time to infuse the batter with flavor.
- Add a Streusel Topping: If you like a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle a cinnamon streusel topping over the batter before baking. This gives the cake an extra layer of texture and sweetness.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Fall
Apple Cinnamon Cake with Sweet Glaze is the quintessential fall dessert. The flavors of apple and cinnamon are warm and cozy, evoking the comforting feeling of a crisp autumn day. This cake is a great addition to any fall gathering, from Thanksgiving dinner to casual get-togethers with friends and family. The glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness without being overpowering, and the tender cake combined with the apples creates a delightful texture that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect dessert to serve at a holiday dinner or just want something to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Conclusion
This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Sweet Glaze is a comforting and delicious dessert that brings the best of fall flavors to your table. With its tender, spiced cake, chunks of juicy apples, and sweet glaze, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, the next time you find yourself craving a little taste of autumn, look no further than this easy-to-make cake—it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and a little sweetness to your day.
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