Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, cinnamon-kissed apple cake that's so easy to make, you'll be shocked it tastes this incredible! This One-Pan Fresh Apple Snack Cake is the ultimate dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering treat that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises a delectable dessert that comes together in just 50 minutes, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the peeled and diced apples gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. If using, add the chopped nuts at this stage and fold them in as well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the cake into squares and serve. This cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for maintaining texture and adding a bright flavor to the cake.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent batter.
- Don't overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Check for doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
- Optional add-ins: Experiment with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a light glaze to customize your cake.
- Storage tip: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
