Welcome to the cozy embrace of fall with this Autumn Spice Fresh Apple Cake! Packed with warm spices and juicy apples, it's the perfect treat for a crisp autumn day. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
The foundation of this cake is all-purpose flour, which gives it structure. To help it rise, we use a blend of baking powder and baking soda. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. The heart of the cake's flavor comes from a trio of spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which together add warmth and depth.
Butter is essential for richness and moisture, creamed with a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar for sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. Eggs bind everything together, while vanilla extract adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
The star of the show is the apples, which provide moisture and a natural sweetness. Walnuts add a toasty crunch, and raisins bring a chewy, sweet contrast. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Alternatively, serve it warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top for a decadent twist. It's also delightful with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake won't stick and will bake evenly.
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy — this aerates the batter, helping your cake rise.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a sweet, aromatic touch.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so go easy here.
Fold in the diced apples, walnuts, and raisins. This ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving you a taste of each in every slice.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. This helps the cake bake uniformly.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is your cue that the cake is perfectly baked.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar. The cooling step helps the cake set, making it easier to slice.
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