Super Duper Easy Apple Cake: A Simple Recipe for a Delicious Treat
Are you craving a comforting, homemade dessert but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This super duper easy apple cake recipe is the perfect solution. It’s incredibly simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guarantees delicious results every time.
## Why This Apple Cake is Super Duper Easy
This recipe earns its “super duper easy” title for several reasons:
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **One-Bowl Mixing:** Everything gets mixed in one bowl, saving you time and cleanup.
* **No Fancy Techniques:** No creaming butter, no whipping egg whites – just mix and bake!
* **Adaptable:** Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite spices or additions.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these simple ingredients:
* **3 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the cake.
* **2 cups granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness and moisture.
* **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and a classic apple pie flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
* **1/2 cup vegetable oil:** Keeps the cake moist and tender.
* **4 large eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor of the cake.
* **4 cups peeled and chopped apples:** The star of the show! Use your favorite variety, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
* **Optional Topping:** 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on top before baking).
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bake your super duper apple cake:
**Step 1: Preheat and Prepare**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking. You can also use baking spray with flour.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
**Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients**
* Add the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
**Step 4: Fold in the Apples**
* Gently fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Make sure all the apples are coated with the batter.
**Step 5: Pour into Pan and Bake**
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. If using the optional topping, sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
* Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
**Step 6: Cool and Serve**
* Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving. This will allow the cake to set and prevent it from falling apart.
* Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make this apple cake even more delicious:
* **Apple Variety:** Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter, more delicate flavor. Fuji, Gala, and Braeburn apples are also excellent choices.
* **Add Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added crunch and flavor. Toasted nuts will have a richer flavor.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the batter for a warmer, more complex flavor. You can also use apple pie spice blend.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence. Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce both work well.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** For a more decadent dessert, top the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting. A simple cream cheese frosting can be made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
* **Raisins or Dried Cranberries:** Fold in 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for added texture and sweetness.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the eggs with applesauce (1/4 cup applesauce per egg). Ensure your sugar is vegan as some granulated sugar is processed using bone char.
* **Use Brown Sugar:** Substitute some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor.
* **Apple Cider:** Replace 1/4 cup of the vegetable oil with apple cider for an intensified apple flavor.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve the apple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
## Choosing the Right Apples
The type of apples you use will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your cake. Here’s a guide to some popular apple varieties and their characteristics:
* **Granny Smith:** Tart, crisp, and slightly acidic. Holds its shape well during baking, making it a good choice for a cake with distinct apple pieces.
* **Honeycrisp:** Sweet, crisp, and juicy. A great all-around apple that works well in most recipes.
* **Fuji:** Sweet, crisp, and slightly tangy. Holds its shape well and adds a nice sweetness to the cake.
* **Gala:** Sweet, mild, and slightly soft. A good choice for a cake with a softer texture.
* **Braeburn:** Sweet-tart, crisp, and complex flavor. Adds depth and character to the cake.
* **McIntosh:** Sweet-tart, tender, and juicy. Breaks down slightly during baking, resulting in a more blended apple flavor.
Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite combination. You can even use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor profile.
## Storage Instructions
To keep your apple cake fresh and moist, follow these storage instructions:
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use a different size pan?**
A: Yes, you can use an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch pan, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. The cake will be thicker and may require a longer baking time. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer.
**Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?**
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture of the cake. However, reducing the sugar may also reduce the moisture, so be careful not to overbake the cake.
**Q: Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?**
A: While you can use applesauce, the texture of the cake will be different. The cake will be denser and more moist. If using applesauce, reduce the amount of oil by 1/4 cup.
**Q: My cake is dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of a dry cake. Make sure to check for doneness frequently and remove the cake from the oven as soon as a wooden skewer comes out clean. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tougher, drier cake.
**Q: My cake is sinking in the middle. What did I do wrong?**
A: A sinking cake can be caused by several factors, including using expired baking soda, not measuring the ingredients accurately, or opening the oven door too frequently during baking. Make sure your baking soda is fresh, measure your ingredients carefully, and avoid opening the oven door until the cake is almost done.
**Q: Can I add a glaze to the cake?**
A: Absolutely! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice would be a delicious addition to this cake.
## Enjoy Your Super Duper Easy Apple Cake!
This recipe is a guaranteed success for anyone looking for a simple and satisfying dessert. The moist texture, warm spices, and sweet apples create a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this super duper easy apple cake!