FRESH APPLE CAKE RECIPE

Fresh Apple Cake Recipe: A Slice of Autumn Delight

  As the leaves start to turn and a crisp breeze fills the air, it’s time to savor the flavors of autumn. Fresh Apple Cake is a delightful way to embrace the season’s harvest. This moist and aromatic cake is packed with chunks of fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to celebrate the fall or a treat to enjoy year-round, this recipe will take you on a journey through the comforting tastes of autumn. Let’s explore how to create this delectable Fresh Apple Cake.

Ingredients:

For the Fresh Apple Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Fresh Apple Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.
5. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the peeled, cored, and diced apples, as well as the chopped walnuts and raisins, if using.
8. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: 10. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.

11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
12. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.

Frost and Serve: 13. Allow the Fresh Apple Cake to cool in the baking pan for about 15 minutes.

14. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
15. Slice and serve your delicious slice of autumn delight.

Cook’s Notes:

• You can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for added complexity in flavor. Experiment with varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
• The addition of walnuts and raisins is optional and can be adjusted to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Store any leftover Fresh Apple Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s just as delightful when enjoyed as a chilled treat.
• Consider a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.

Fresh Apple Cake is a cozy and inviting dessert that captures the essence of autumn. With its tender crumb, fresh apple chunks, and aromatic spices, this cake is a delightful way to celebrate the season’s bounty. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or indulging in a quiet moment of delight, each bite offers the warmth and comfort of autumn. Enjoy your slice of autumn delight!