Description

This Best Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with a blend of tart and sweet apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a tender crumb from yogurt or sour cream, this classic cake is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Optional nuts add a delightful crunch, and a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruits and Nuts

3 cups peeled and chopped apples (mix of tart and sweet)
Optional ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice or dice the apples. Optionally, toss them with a bit of cinnamon and sugar to enhance their flavor, then set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, stir in the plain yogurt or sour cream for added moisture and tenderness.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Mix Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the chopped apples and the optional chopped walnuts or pecans carefully, distributing them evenly without overworking the batter.
Prepare Pan and Pour Batter: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan. Pour the batter into the pan and tap it gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.
Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps the cake set properly before serving.
Serve: Before serving, optionally drizzle the cake with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and presentation.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor and texture.
Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; overmixing can make the cake dense.
The walnuts or pecans are optional but add a lovely crunch to the cake.
Ensure the cake is completely cooled before drizzling with caramel sauce to prevent it from melting excessively.
This cake keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.