Are you ready to bake up a slice of autumn? This Apple Hill Apple Cake recipe captures the essence of crisp fall days and the sweet, comforting aroma of freshly baked apples. It's unbelievably moist, perfectly spiced, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – perfect for a cozy night in or a delightful gathering with friends and family. This easy recipe is ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros, promising delicious results every time. Get ready to experience the taste of Apple Hill in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients prevents clumps in your batter.
Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Combining Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake.
Adding the Apples:
- Gently fold in the diced apples. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of apples are fine and add to the cake's rustic charm.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from breaking.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake:
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile. A mix of tart and sweet apples is a delicious option.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature ingredients helps them blend more easily and creates a smoother batter.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of cardamom or allspice can add an interesting twist.
Variations:
- Crumb Topping: Add a streusel topping for extra crunch and texture.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cooled cake.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
This Apple Hill Apple Cake recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a delicious dish, a quick dinner idea that’s also a healthy meal, and one of the best recipes you'll find. Enjoy this delightful treat!