Glazed Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake

Glazed Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced

For the Apple Layer:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Apple Layer:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, add the diced apples, and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the apples are caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Assemble the Loaf:
   • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the caramelized apples over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the apples. Lightly press the apples into the batter.
5. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
7. Glaze the Cake:
   • Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
8. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the cake with a cup of tea or coffee. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.

Notes:

• The type of apples you use can affect the flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples offer a sweeter taste.
• This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

This Glazed Apple Cinnamon Loaf Cake is a delightful treat, full of warm spices, sweet apples, and topped with a luscious glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Enjoy!