Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This Apple Pecan Cake recipe is the perfect blend of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and a moist, tender cake – a true delight for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients:
- 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 buttermilk
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients is crucial for even baking.
Wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine 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; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Fold in the apples and pecans: Gently fold in the diced apples and pecan halves. Folding ensures the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Bake: 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 serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tips for the Best Apple Pecan Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh apples: Using fresh, ripe apples will give the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Pecan Cake: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the batter for a warmer, more spiced flavor.
- Apple Pecan Crumble Cake: Top the cake with a streusel topping made from flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats before baking.
- Maple Apple Pecan Cake: Add ½ cup of maple syrup to the batter for a delicious maple flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 15-20g Saturated Fat: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 50-60g Sugar: 30-35g Protein: 4-5g
This recipe for Apple Pecan Cake is a delightful addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both simple and satisfying. Enjoy this amazing cake, perfect for sharing with family and friends!