Rustic Apple Cake

Introduction

This Rustic Apple Cake is a delightful, tender dessert packed with juicy apple chunks and warm cinnamon flavors. Perfectly moist and bursting with caramelized apple goodness, it’s a wonderful choice for a cozy dessert, especially during fall. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly comforting treat. This cake is simple to make, but it impresses with its rustic charm and rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small chunks (use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results)

Optional Glaze (for added shine):

• 1/4 cup apricot or apple jam
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or springform pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick.
5. Add Apples: Gently fold the apple chunks into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check at the 40-minute mark, as baking times can vary.
7. Glaze (Optional): For a glossy finish, heat the apricot or apple jam with 1 tablespoon of water until melted. Brush this glaze over the top of the warm cake.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion

This Rustic Apple Cake is an irresistible combination of soft, buttery cake and tender apple pieces. It’s a perfect treat for family gatherings, holiday tables, or a simple dessert at home. The cake’s warm flavors pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy this delightful cake for several days. Enjoy your slice of apple-filled comfort!