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.
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)
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.
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.
Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/soft-apple-cake-with-4-spices/