Autumn's crisp air and vibrant colors inspire cozy moments, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a warm slice of homemade Apple Cranberry Cake? This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts alike. It's easy to follow, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This moist and delicious cake is the perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire, offering a simple yet impressive dessert for any occasion. Get ready to bake up a storm!
Ingredients:
This recipe provides a delightful balance of sweet apples and tart cranberries, creating a truly irresistible flavor combination.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create this delicious apple cranberry cake.
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan.
Making the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This combines all the dry ingredients and makes sure they are evenly distributed.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Gently fold in the cranberries and diced apples. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Baking and Cooling:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the cake after 30 minutes; overbaking can lead to a dry cake.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and allows it to cool evenly.
Tips for Baking Success:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add a ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them; they'll melt beautifully into the cake during baking.
- A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice can be drizzled over the cooled cake.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Citrus zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon for a brighter flavor profile.
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 3-4g
This delicious Apple Cranberry Cake is perfect for a cozy autumn afternoon, a holiday gathering, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. Enjoy every bite!