Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
To make this delicious Autumn Apple Cake, you’ll need the following essential ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or other tart variety)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Streusel Topping
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Flour: 2 cups of allpurpose flour, preferably organic, according to Harvard Health Publishing recommendations for healthy eating.
The foundation of a delicious Autumn Apple Cake is built upon high-quality ingredients, and one of the most crucial components is flour.
For this recipe, we recommend using 2 cups of all-purpose flour that is preferably organic.
This may seem like an unnecessary specification, but there are several compelling reasons to choose organic flour over conventional options.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, organic produce and products, including grains like flour, tend to have higher nutritional value and lower pesticide residue levels than their conventional counterparts.
This is particularly important for ingredients that will be consumed in large quantities or cooked at high temperatures, as the risk of chemical absorption increases under these conditions.
Organic flour may also have a slightly sweeter taste and nuttier aroma due to the absence of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
In terms of choosing the right type of all-purpose flour for this Autumn Apple Cake recipe, it’s worth noting that bread flour can be too strong and will produce a denser texture.
On the other hand, cake flour or pastry flour may not provide enough structure to support the weight of the apples and spices.
All-purpose flour strikes a perfect balance between strength and delicacy, making it an ideal choice for this recipe.
Suggested Brands
- Bob’s Red Mill Organic All-Purpose Flour
- King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- Anthony’s Organic All-Purpose Flour
We hope this information helps you to make the most informed choice for your Autumn Apple Cake ingredients and enjoy a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup of brown sugar, containing minerals and antioxidants as highlighted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The key ingredient in our Autumn Apple Cake Recipe is brown sugar, which plays a crucial role in adding flavor and texture to the cake. We are using 1 cup of brown sugar in this recipe, which contains essential minerals and antioxidants as highlighted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA emphasizes that brown sugar is rich in several minerals such as **manganese**, which acts as a co-factor for many enzymes in the body, playing a key role in bone health. Additionally, brown sugar is also a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance and supports healthy blood pressure.
Brown sugar’s high content of antioxidants, specifically flavonoids and phenolic acids, has been associated with several health benefits. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the body, protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and even promote healthy aging.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, brown sugar also adds a rich flavor and deep color to our Autumn Apple Cake Recipe. Its distinctive caramel-like taste complements the sweetness of the apples, while its dark color enhances the appearance of the cake. By using high-quality brown sugar in this recipe, we can ensure that our cake not only tastes delicious but also looks appealing.
The right balance of ingredients, including 1 cup of brown sugar, is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in our Autumn Apple Cake Recipe. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to the presence of this versatile ingredient.
Apples: 34 mediumsized apples, cored and sliced, following the USDA’s guidelines for fruit consumption.
Medium-sized apples are a staple ingredient in baking, particularly during the autumn season when fresh apples are readily available. For this Autumn Apple Cake Recipe, you’ll need 34 medium-sized apples to ensure that your cake is moist and flavorful.
The USDA recommends consuming a variety of fruits as part of a healthy diet. Since apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they make an excellent choice for meeting daily fruit requirements. One serving of fruit, according to the USDA, is equivalent to one medium-sized apple.
To prepare your 34 medium-sized apples for baking, start by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Next, core the apples using an apple corer or a melon baller. This will help prevent any bitter flavors from affecting the taste of your cake. You can also use a paring knife to carefully remove the cores if you don’t have an apple corer handy.
Once the apples are cored, slice them into thin pieces using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Be sure to cut in a consistent thickness so that your slices cook evenly throughout the baking process.
The sliced apples should now be ready for use in your Autumn Apple Cake Recipe. As you combine the apple slices with other ingredients like sugar, spices, and flour, remember to follow proper food safety guidelines to avoid cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
In addition to being a delicious ingredient, apples also provide several health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. According to the USDA, consuming 1-2 medium-sized apples per day can help support healthy digestion, boost immunity, and even aid in weight management due to their high fiber content.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: 1 teaspoon each, adding warmth to the cake as suggested by the Culinary Institute of America.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are two essential spices that add warmth and depth to baked goods, including the Autumn Apple Cake recipe. The Culinary Institute of America suggests using 1 teaspoon each of these spices to achieve the perfect balance.
Let’s break down the role of cinnamon in this recipe:
- Cinnamon is a warm, sweet spice that comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. It has a rich, comforting flavor that evokes feelings of autumn and winter.
- The aroma of cinnamon is particularly strong when it’s baked with other ingredients, releasing its oils and creating a inviting scent.
- Cinnamon pairs well with apples, which is why it’s a staple spice in many apple recipes. It complements the sweetness of the fruit and adds a warm, spicy flavor.
Now, let’s explore the role of nutmeg in this recipe:
- Nutmeg is a sweet, slightly bitter spice that comes from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree. It has a distinctive, warm flavor that adds depth to baked goods.
- The aroma of nutmeg is often described as rich and nutty, with hints of spice and warmth.
- Nutmeg pairs well with cinnamon, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile in the Autumn Apple Cake recipe.
When using 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg in this recipe, you can expect to achieve the following results:
- A warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for autumn and winter baked goods.
- A balanced and harmonious flavor profile that pairs well with apples and other ingredients.
- A rich, inviting aroma that will make your kitchen smell like a bakery.
Remember to use high-quality spices, as they will have a more pronounced flavor and aroma. The Culinary Institute of America suggests using freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the best results.
Instructions
Mixing and Preparing the Batter:
To begin the process of mixing and preparing the batter for the Autumn Apple Cake recipe, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
The initial step involves creaming together 1 cup (200g) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, with 3/4 cup (180g) of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer.
This process is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture and developing a light and fluffy texture, which will contribute significantly to the overall structure and appearance of the cake.
Once the butter-sugar mixture has reached the desired consistency, it’s time to add 2 large eggs at room temperature. The eggs should be beaten in one at a time, with each addition being thoroughly incorporated into the batter before moving on to the next egg.
This step is vital for adding moisture and richness to the cake, as well as helping to emulsify the ingredients together effectively.
After incorporating both eggs into the mixture, it’s necessary to add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This not only provides a distinct flavor but also acts as an emulsifier, aiding in the mixing process.
The dry ingredients should then be sifted together and added to the wet ingredients gradually, ensuring thorough incorporation at each stage.
This involves combining 3 cups (375g) of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl before whisking these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution of the spices.
With both wet and dry ingredients ready, it’s time to fold them together gently until no visible lumps remain. The mixture should still retain its slightly thick consistency.
Now that the batter is mixed, we can proceed to add in our chopped apples. Core and chop 2 large apples into approximately 1-inch pieces before gently folding them into the batter to maintain their texture and distribution throughout the cake.
This final step involves carefully pouring the prepared batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer that covers the bottom of the pan completely.
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), following standard cooking practices from the American Heart Association.
To successfully make an Autumn Apple Cake, it’s essential to follow a set of clear and precise instructions, which will guide you through the cooking process with ease.
The first step in making this delectable cake is to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), a temperature that aligns with standard cooking practices recommended by the American Heart Association. This temperature setting allows for even baking and ensures that your cake turns out moist and fluffy on the inside, while having a beautifully golden-brown crust.
As you preheat the oven, take this opportunity to prepare the ingredients needed for the Autumn Apple Cake recipe. Gather all the necessary components, including chopped apples, sugar, flour, eggs, butter or oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. It’s also crucial to have a mixing bowl, a whisk, a measuring cup, and a 9×13-inch baking dish ready for use.
Once the oven has reached the correct temperature, it’s time to move on to the next step in making this scrumptious cake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, flour, eggs, butter or oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix these ingredients until they form a smooth batter, ensuring that all the dry components are well incorporated.
Next, pour the apple mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth out the top of the batter with a spatula to ensure an even cooking process. Finally, bake the Autumn Apple Cake for about 45-50 minutes or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the baking dish for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. Slice into squares or rectangles to enjoy your delicious Autumn Apple Cake as an appetizing dessert, snack, or even breakfast option!
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whisking until well combined.
To create the dry ingredients mixture for the Autumn Apple Cake, it’s essential to first gather all the necessary components. This includes measuring out precise quantities of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Flour serves as a fundamental base in baking, providing structure and texture to the finished product. A moderate amount of flour is required for this recipe, usually around 2-3 cups. It’s crucial to use all-purpose flour for best results, as it contains a balanced ratio of protein and starch that will help to strengthen the crumb and create a tender crouton.
Brown sugar adds a deep, rich flavor and a hint of caramel sweetness to the Autumn Apple Cake. When measuring brown sugar, be sure to pack it down firmly in the measuring cup to avoid compacting air pockets. A ratio of 1-2 cups of brown sugar is typically used, depending on personal preference for sweetness.
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that plays a pivotal role in creating the signature autumnal flavor profile of this cake recipe. It’s essential to use high-quality cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon powder for the best results. Start with a small amount – around 1/4-1/2 teaspoon – and adjust to taste, as cinnamon can quickly become overpowering.
Nutmeg is another warm, aromatic spice that enhances the depth of flavor in this Autumn Apple Cake recipe. Like cinnamon, it’s crucial to use high-quality nutmeg powder or whole nutmeg seeds for the best results. Begin with a small amount – around 1/8 teaspoon – and adjust to taste, as nutmeg can quickly become too strong.
Once all dry ingredients have been measured out, whisk them together in a large bowl until they are evenly combined and well-mixed. Be sure to break down any clumps or air pockets that may form during the measuring process. This step is crucial for ensuring that the cake bakes evenly and retains its desired texture.
Add wet ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, followed by melted butter, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
To successfully complete the process of making an Autumn Apple Cake, it’s essential to pay close attention to the instructions provided.
The first step involves combining dry ingredients, which include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. These ingredients should be thoroughly mixed together in a large bowl using a whisk or an electric mixer until they form a uniform blend.
The next step is to add wet ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, followed by melted butter, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
- Ensure that the butter has cooled down to room temperature before adding it to the mixture. This prevents any potential burning or scrambling of the eggs.
- Mix each egg separately with the dry ingredients before adding it to the rest of the wet ingredients in a smooth, steady stream.
- Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently while mixing to avoid leaving behind any pockets of unmixed ingredients.
- After all eggs have been incorporated, slowly pour in the melted butter, allowing it to mix into the batter until it forms a consistent texture.
The resulting batter should be smooth and free from lumps. Any imperfections or bumps at this stage may affect the final consistency of the cake once baked.
Tips and Variations
Additional Flavors and Toppings
To take this autumn apple cake recipe to the next level, consider incorporating these tips and variations to add new flavors and textures.
Tips
- For a moister cake, don’t overmix the batter, and make sure to not overbake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- To enhance the apple flavor, use a combination of Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. The tartness of the Granny Smith will balance out the sweetness of the other apples.
- For a crisper streusel topping, make sure to keep the cold ingredients separate (butter should be straight from the fridge) and don’t overmix when combining them with sugar and flour.
Variations
- Bourbon Spice Apple Cake: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon extract or 1-2 teaspoons of bourbon-infused vanilla extract to the batter for a grown-up twist. Top with a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping.
- Cranberry Apple Cake: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries into the batter, adding an extra dimension of flavor and texture.
- Pecan Streusel Topping: Replace walnuts with pecans for a more southern-inspired streusel topping. Add an extra 1/4 cup of brown sugar to balance out the nuttiness.
Additional Flavors and Toppings
- Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, maple syrup (grade B for a stronger flavor), and a pinch of salt. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. Sprinkle over the batter before baking for an extra crunchy crust.
Crumb topping: Create a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping to add texture as recommended by food expert David Lebovitz.
The crumb topping, a delightful addition to any autumnal treat, is a game-changer for the Apple Cake Recipe. David Lebovitz’s suggestion of creating a crumbly oat and brown sugar mixture offers a perfect textural contrast to the moist cake beneath.
To begin crafting this enticing crumb topping, start by combining 1/2 cup of rolled oats with 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour in a medium bowl. This initial mix sets the foundation for the crumbly texture that will add depth to your Autumn Apple Cake.
Next, add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the bowl with the oat mixture. The sweetness of the brown sugar will perfectly balance the earthy tone of the oats, while the cinnamon will evoke the warmth and coziness associated with fall.
Now, add 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter to the bowl, using your fingers or a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is the crucial step where the crumb topping transforms from a simple mix of ingredients into an inviting texture that will complement the cake beautifully.
Continue blending until the mixture reaches your desired level of coarseness, ensuring that there are no large chunks or smooth spots throughout. You may find it helpful to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
To apply the crumb topping to your Autumn Apple Cake, simply sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cake before baking. As the cake bakes, the crumb topping will develop a golden brown color and emit a sweet, nutty aroma that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
When you take the cake out of the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing into it. The crumb topping will have set by this point, providing a delightful textural contrast to each bite of the moist and flavorful Autumn Apple Cake. By incorporating this crumb topping, you’ll add an extra layer of depth and enjoyment to your fall dessert, making it truly unforgettable.
Nuts or seeds: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or sesame seeds for added crunch and nutrition according to the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines.
Tips and Variations for adding nuts or seeds to your Autumn Apple Cake Recipe are numerous, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures. According to the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines, incorporating chopped nuts or seeds can significantly enhance the nutritional value of your dessert.
Chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts are all excellent choices for adding crunch and flavor to your Autumn Apple Cake. The rich, buttery taste of these nuts pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples, creating a delightful contrast of flavors in each bite.
Sesame seeds can also be used as a nut substitute, adding a delicate nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They are particularly well-suited for this Autumn Apple Cake recipe due to their subtle flavor profile that complements the spices without overpowering them.
When selecting nuts or seeds, consider their unique flavors and textures to choose the ones that best complement your Autumn Apple Cake’s autumnal theme. Walnuts, for example, offer a robust, earthy flavor, while pecans provide a rich, buttery taste.
In addition to enhancing nutritional value and flavor, incorporating nuts or seeds can also affect the overall texture of your Autumn Apple Cake. Chopped nuts or seeds will add a delightful crunch to each bite, providing a satisfying contrast to the softness of the apples.
To incorporate these tasty additions into your Autumn Apple Cake recipe, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. Prepare a mixture of chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, pecans, or sesame seeds, according to the specific recipe instructions.
Once the cakes are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. To assemble the cake, you can frost it with your favorite frosting and decorate with additional chopped nuts or seeds for added visual appeal.
Some creative variations on this Autumn Apple Cake Recipe include using different types of sugar, such as brown or turbinado, to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Another option is to use a combination of apple varieties, like Granny Smith and Golden Delicious, to create a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors.
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