Warning! This simple apple cake recipe will have your kids begging for seconds; proceed with caution.
Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but when I whipped up this apple cake, I was unprepared for just how good it would be! It is super buttery, rich and sweet with just the right amount of cinnamon spice. It truly had my toddler begging for seconds, and I bet it will have yours doing the same.
This recipe is a great way to use any fresh apples you have left in your pantry. However, not every apple is created equal when it comes to baking. Here in Wisconsin, we are fortunate to have a wealth of local orchards with perfect varieties for this recipe.
Here are four apple varieties grown in Wisconsin that are perfect for baking:
- Honeycrisp
Honeycrisp apples are a favorite in the baking world (and my household) due to their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Known for their juicy texture and crisp bite, these apples hold their shape during baking, making them ideal for pies, crisps and tarts. Their natural sweetness means you can often reduce added sugars in recipes, while their vibrant flavor enhances the overall taste of any baked dessert. These are my go-to and are the variety I leveraged in making this recipe! - Cortland
Cortland apples are another fantastic choice. With a slightly tart flavor and tender flesh, these are perfect for recipes where you want a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, such as in cakes or applesauce. They’re also slow to brown, making them great for use in baked goods where presentation matters, like tarts or apple slices on top of a cake. - McIntosh
McIntosh apples are a staple in Wisconsin orchards and are particularly well-suited for baking where you want a softer texture, like in apple bread or turnovers. Their mildly tart and aromatic flavor intensifies when baked, and they break down quickly, which makes them perfect for applesauce or any recipe that calls for tender, cooked apples. - Empire
Empire apples, a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, are a versatile variety that can be used in both baking and eating fresh. They have a sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture that holds up well in the oven, making them excellent for apple pies and crisps. Their balanced flavor pairs well with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, enhancing the richness of your baked goods.
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Simple Apple Cake
The perfect, buttery cake that gives you the delicious taste of fall.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon more or less based on preference
- 1/2 cup salted butter room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 tbsp milk
- 4 cups apples peeled, cored and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces – roughly 3 apples
- powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Set oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8"x8" cake pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing again.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well and scraping the bowl between each egg. Add the vanilla and water and beat into the cream mixture. Mixture will appear grainy.
- Gradually add in flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples until the batter is evenly distributed.
- Scrape batter into prepared pan and even out. Bake for 40 minutes or until the cake is golden. Allow cake to cool on a rack inside the pan.
- Once cool, loosen the edges of the cake from the pan using a blunt knife, remove from pan by flipping upside down, remove parchment paper and flip upside right. Dust the top of the cake lightly with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 233kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 196mgPotassium: 86mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 354IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!