Are you craving a comforting and delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this moist and flavorful apple cake loaf! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a delightful blend of sweet apples and warming spices. It's the ideal homemade treat for a cozy afternoon or a special occasion, and it's quick enough for a weeknight dessert. This easy recipe will become a staple in your healthy meals repertoire. Get ready to enjoy the best recipes for an apple-licious experience!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily achieved using an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts (optional)
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using).
Step 6: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 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 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake Loaf:
- Use ripe apples: Ripe apples will give you the best flavor and moisture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely will prevent it from crumbling when you slice it.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
- Add some zest: A tablespoon of lemon or orange zest will add a bright citrusy note.
- Make it a crumb topping: Sprinkle a streusel topping over the batter before baking for added texture. A simple streusel can be made with flour, butter, sugar, and oats.
- Try different nuts: Almonds or pecans are also delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
This apple cake loaf recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that are suitable for quick dinner ideas or a delightful dessert. Enjoy this healthy meal option, and don't forget to share your baking creations with friends and family! This recipe is sure to become one of your favorite homemade cooking projects.