Craving a delightful dessert that’s easy to bake? This Rustic Apple Spice Cake is perfect for beginners, offering warm flavors and a simple process that guarantees a delicious outcome. You’ll love how quickly you can bake this comforting cake.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple for many cake recipes for beginners.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential; feel free to add a pinch of allspice or ginger if you like.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for the cake, brown sugar for the topping.
- Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist; you can use melted unsalted butter as an alternative.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Setting aside your dry ingredients is a key part of many cake recipes for beginners.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. This creates the liquid base for your cake.
4. Mix Cake Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake tough. Gently fold in the diced apples.
5. Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers or a pastry blender until crumbly. This adds a delicious texture.
6. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Your Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle: A simple caramel sauce drizzled over individual slices adds extra indulgence.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and vanilla over the batter, then swirl gently with a knife.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Rustic Apple Spice Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with other firm apples, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the best balance of sweetness and tartness for this cake.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
Cinnamon is essential, but if you’re missing nutmeg, the cake will still be flavorful. You can substitute with a pinch of allspice or ginger.
Why is my cake dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness at the earlier end of the bake time. This is a common issue with many cake recipes for beginners.
Can I make this in a different-sized pan?
You can use a 9-inch round pan, but adjust baking time slightly. Keep an eye on it, as it might bake faster.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for longer.