Imagine a dessert so irresistibly moist, so perfectly spiced, and bursting with fresh apple goodness that it becomes your new obsession. This "Apple Snack Cake of My Dreams" isn't just another boring cake - it's a slice of pure comfort that will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and nostalgia. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver a crowd-pleasing treat that's quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress everyone who takes a bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced apples
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the cake batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze before serving. Slice into 8 equal pieces and enjoy!
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense texture.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not completely wet.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Customize Your Cake: Try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top for extra texture and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
