Traditional Apple Cake

Name: Traditional Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup raisins

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 12

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This Traditional Apple Cake is a heartwarming classic that captures the essence of cozy autumn days. With tender apples, warm spices, and a delightful texture, it's perfect for any occasion or just a simple treat to enjoy with loved ones.

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Ingredients for Traditional Apple Cake

The foundation of this cake is all-purpose flour, providing the structure that holds all the delicious elements together. The baking soda acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises beautifully. A touch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg infuses the batter with warm, earthy notes that complement the sweetness of the apples.

Butter adds richness and moisture, while a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar balances sweetness and depth. The eggs are essential for binding the ingredients, and a splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile with a subtle hint of warmth.

The star of the show, of course, is the apples. They bring natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Walnuts add a satisfying crunch, and raisins bring little pockets of chewy sweetness that contrast nicely with the other textures.

Tips & Tricks

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor profile.
Toast the walnuts beforehand for an extra layer of nuttiness.
If your raisins are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up before adding.
For easier slicing, wait until the cake is completely cool.

Serving Suggestions

This apple cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a touch of elegance, drizzle with a simple caramel sauce. Pair with a hot cup of spiced tea or a glass of apple cider to complement the cake's flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut?: Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would also work well in this recipe.
Can I make this cake in advance?: Yes, the cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Is there a gluten-free option?: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it's a one-to-one substitution.

Traditional Apple Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 9x13 inch baking pan ready by greasing it. This step ensures the cake doesn't stick, making your life much easier when it’s time to serve.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mixture will be the base of your cake's texture and flavor, so make sure it's well combined.

Now, in a large bowl, start creaming the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes of mixing and is crucial for creating a nice, tender crumb in the cake.

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. This helps the batter incorporate each egg fully, ensuring a smooth, even texture. Once the eggs are in, mix in the vanilla extract for that classic, comforting aroma.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so keep it light and easy.

Fold in the sliced apples, walnuts, and raisins. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, so every slice has a bit of each component.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. This ensures a consistent bake across the whole cake. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This step is key to making sure it sets properly before you dig in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Richly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for that comforting aroma.
Perfectly moist thanks to juicy apples and a buttery base.
Easy to make with straightforward steps and simple ingredients.
Versatile enough to enjoy as a dessert, snack, or breakfast!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup raisins

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

6. Fold in the sliced apples, walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack before serving.

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