“Autumn Spice Apple Cake: Made with apples, vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, white sugar, walnuts, eggs, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.”
The “Autumn Spice Apple Cake” holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my family had an old apple tree in our backyard that would produce the most fragrant and delicious apples each fall. Every year, my mom and I would eagerly wait for the apples to ripen so we could bake all sorts of treats. This cake quickly became our favorite. The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon filling our kitchen with an irresistible aroma is a memory I cherish. Now, every time I bake this cake, it feels like I’m bringing a piece of my childhood into my home, and I love sharing that warmth and nostalgia with my family and friends.
What makes this Autumn Spice Apple Cake special ?
The “Autumn Spice Apple Cake” stands out for several reasons. First, the use of both dark brown sugar and granulated white sugar provides a deep, rich sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples perfectly. The addition of walnuts adds a delightful crunch, giving each bite a satisfying texture. Furthermore, the blend of ground cinnamon and vanilla extract infuses the cake with a cozy, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any autumn day. Finally, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip up this delightful treat without spending hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal choice for busy families or last-minute gatherings.
What do you need to make this Autumn Spice Apple Cake special:
When preparing the “Autumn Spice Apple Cake,” it’s essential to pay attention to the quality and freshness of your ingredients. Here are some notes to keep in mind:
- Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture. Peel and chop them just before adding them to the batter to prevent browning.
- Vegetable Oil: This provides the necessary moisture to keep the cake tender. You can substitute with melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
- Dark Brown Sugar: This adds a molasses-like richness that complements the cinnamon and apples. Make sure it’s fresh to avoid hard lumps.
- Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter will enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the cake.
- Ground Cinnamon and Vanilla Extract: These are the key spices that give the cake its warm, autumnal flavor. Use high-quality spices for the best results.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Ensure they are fresh and not expired to guarantee a proper rise and texture.
Steps to make this Autumn Spice Apple Cake
To create the “Autumn Spice Apple Cake,” follow these detailed steps for the perfect bake:
Step 1: Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside. This initial step ensures your cake will not stick to the pan, making for an easy release once baked.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a medium bowl, combine two large eggs and one cup of vegetable oil. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This combination provides the necessary moisture and structure for the cake.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Flavorings Add one tablespoon of ground cinnamon, one cup of dark brown sugar, half a cup of granulated white sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg and oil mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and the mixture is smooth. The sugars add sweetness while the cinnamon and vanilla infuse the batter with warm, aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix together two cups of all-purpose flour, half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Walnuts Peel and chop one large apple into small pieces, and chop half a cup of walnuts. Gently fold the apples and walnuts into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This step adds both flavor and texture to your cake.
Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Bake Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully cooked.
Step 7: Cool and Serve Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This cooling period helps the cake set, making it easier to slice. After cooling, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired. Enjoy your homemade “Autumn Spice Apple Cake” with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Autumn Spice Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large apple peeled and chopped
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and vegetable oil until well blended.
- Add Sugars and Flavorings
- Incorporate the ground cinnamon, dark brown sugar, granulated white sugar, and vanilla extract into the egg and oil mixture. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts
- Gently fold in the chopped apple and walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.