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Soft Apple Cake with 4 Spices

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This Soft Apple Cake with 4 Spices is a cozy, comforting dessert that combines the sweet, fruity goodness of apples with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The result is a moist, tender cake perfect for any season, especially fall. Easy to make and full of flavor, this cake is ideal for an afternoon tea, a family gathering, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Serve it with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)

For Serving (optional):

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  • Prepare the Cake Batter:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    • Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.

    • Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.

    • Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

    • Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

    • Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

  • Bake the Cake:

    • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

    • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

    • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • Serve:

    • Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake is completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.

    • Serve: Slice and serve the cake as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a little extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Storage/Reheating: This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

  • Freezing: The cake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight before serving.