Homemade Apple Cake is a delightful and comforting dessert that embodies the warm, nostalgic flavors of autumn. As the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C) and the aroma of spices begins to fill the air, the anticipation of savoring this cake grows.
Combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and aromatic spices such as ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, the dry mixture sets the stage for a rich, flavorful cake. As you whisk these ingredients together in a medium bowl, the interplay of spices hints at the depth of flavor yet to come.
In a large bowl, the softened unsalted butter is beaten with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a creamy foundation. The eggs are incorporated one by one, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous batter, while a splash of vanilla extract rounds out the base with a touch of warmth.
Alternating between the flour mixture and tangy buttermilk, the batter achieves the perfect balance of moisture and tenderness. Just before baking, peeled and chopped apples, along with optional chopped walnuts, are folded in, adding juicy bursts of sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
Once poured into a greased and floured 9-inch cake pan, the batter is spread evenly and baked for 45-50 minutes. The cake emerges golden-brown, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, confirming it’s perfectly baked. After cooling in the pan for 10 minutes, it’s transferred to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dusting the cake with confectioners’ sugar just before serving enhances its rustic charm. This Homemade Apple Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of classic flavors and homey comfort, perfect for any gathering or simply enjoying with a hot cup of tea.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 large apples)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the peeled and chopped apples and the chopped walnuts if using.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
11. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. If desired, dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar before serving.