Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Then look no further! This apple cake with sour cream is the perfect recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a delightful blend of moist, tender cake and the perfect balance of sweet and tart apples, all enhanced by the creamy tang of sour cream. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, weekend baking, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual gatherings or special celebrations. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake will slide right out once it's baked.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This simple step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly for a perfectly risen cake.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
Bring it Together:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Gently fold in the diced apples. Don't be too forceful; you just want to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures even cooling.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting (optional).
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a warmer flavor.
- Nutty delight: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Glazed perfection: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cooled cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This simple apple cake recipe is perfect for any occasion and a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of fall. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake a delicious treat! Enjoy!