Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small, even cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round baking pan thoroughly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly pale. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk, and whisk until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the apple mixture over the batter in an even layer. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, using a spatula to gently smooth the top.
Step 4: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before serving. Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tips for Success
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Choose the right apple. Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness of the cake.
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Cut the apples evenly. Small, uniform cubes ensure the apples cook through and distribute evenly in every slice.
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Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
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Check for doneness. Ovens vary, so start checking at the 35-minute mark. The top should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean.
Variations
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Add nuts. Fold ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple mixture for extra crunch.
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Make it a streusel cake. Sprinkle a simple topping of ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon over the top before baking.
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Try different spices. Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the apple mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor.
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Use pears. Substitute one of the apples with a firm, ripe pear for a twist.
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Caramel drizzle. Skip the powdered sugar and drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.
This cake also freezes well. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
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