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Rustic Apple Cake: A Comforting and Elegant Dessert
Rustic Apple Cake is a charming dessert that marries the sweetness of apples with a moist, tender cake. The apples are arranged in a beautiful pattern on top, creating a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. This cake is not only delicious but also straightforward to make, with a few simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting and elegant treat. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this delightful apple cake, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced (use a variety such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
- For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Toss the apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning. If using raisins or dried cranberries, mix them with the apple slices.
- Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the batter, slightly pressing them into the batter. Scatter any remaining raisins or cranberries over the top.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Brush the melted butter over the top of the apples, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic, elegant finish.
- Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Tips and Variations:
- Different Fruits: Substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or plums for a different fruit flavor. You can also use a combination of fruits for a unique twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Spiced Cake: For a warm, spiced version, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the batter for a subtle citrus note that complements the apples beautifully.
Conclusion
Rustic Apple Cake is a dessert that combines the simplicity of home baking with the elegance of a beautifully arranged topping. Whether you’re making this cake for a special occasion or simply to enjoy on a cozy afternoon, it’s sure to become a favorite. The tender crumb, sweet apples, and hint of cinnamon make this cake a comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of year. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious, timeless dessert!
Feel free to try this recipe and experience the comforting flavors of Rustic Apple Cake. Happy baking!
