Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This 9x13 apple cake recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend baking session. It's a foolproof recipe that yields a moist, tender cake bursting with the sweet and tart flavors of apples. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or enjoying a generous slice all by yourself! This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking, offering a quick dinner dessert option that will impress everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) apple sauce
- 6 medium apples (about 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices throughout your cake.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake; take your time and use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the sliced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to break the apple slices too much.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Cake:
- Use a combination of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work particularly well together.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Check for doneness around the 45-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Every oven is slightly different.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Nutty delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Citrus zing: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Protein: Approximately 4-5g Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This delicious 9x13 apple cake is the perfect recipe for any occasion. It's a simple, satisfying dessert that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!