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Autumn Spiced Apple Cake

This apple cake features tender layers of sliced apples combined with warm spices, baked into a moist and flavorful crumb with a golden crust. The cake showcases a delicate balance of caramel sweetness, cinnamon, and nutmeg, resulting in a cozy, inviting dessert with a tender texture and aromatic appearance.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large apples preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji, cored and thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed, for sprinkling
  • optional cinnamon sugar for dusting before serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Spatula
  • 9-inch springform or cake pan
  • Paring knife
  • Peeler
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your springform or cake pan with butter and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This forms the dry base for your batter.
  3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and slightly fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The batter should be thick but pourable.
  4. Gently fold the thinly sliced apples into the batter, ensuring each slice is coated. The batter will become speckled with apple slices, and you'll notice a lovely aroma as the apples release their fragrance.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it's even. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the surface for a caramelized crust.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll hear a gentle bubbling around the edges as the sugar caramelizes.
  7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, allowing the moist crumb to set and the flavors to meld.
  8. Carefully loosen the edges with a spatula and transfer the cake to a wire rack or serving plate. Dust with cinnamon sugar or serve as is for a warm, aromatic treat.
  9. Slice and enjoy the tender, moist cake with the fragrant apple slices and spicy aroma, perfect for cozy moments or festive gatherings.

Notes

For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.