Spiced Cinnamon Apple Cake With Nutty Streusel Topping
Delight in this Spiced Cinnamon Apple Cake with Nutty Streusel Topping, perfect for cozy family gatherings during Hanukkah.
Equipment
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan (For baking the cake.)
- Mixing bowls (For combining ingredients.)
- Whisk (For mixing batter.)
- Spatula (For folding in the apples and nuts.)
- Oven (For baking the cake.)
- Wire rack (For cooling the cake after baking.)
Ingredients
- 2 cup flour (all-purpose)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs (large)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cup apples (peeled and diced, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup nuts (chopped, such as walnuts or pecans)
For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup nuts (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350°FBefore you plunge into mixing up your ingredients, it's essential to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This baking temperature sets the stage for that perfect, fluffy cake you're craving. A warm oven allows your cake to rise beautifully and develop a lovely golden crust, making all the difference in your final masterpiece.While your oven heats up, take a moment to verify it's safe. Check that the oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking, and keep any flammable items away from the heat. It's easy to get lost in the excitement of baking, but oven safety is key to a smooth experience.Now, imagine the aroma of spiced cinnamon filling your kitchen as your cake bakes. Isn't that tempting? The anticipation of sharing this delicious treat with loved ones makes the effort worthwhile.So, go ahead, set that oven, and let it do the heavy lifting while you prepare your ingredients. Trust me; you'll thank yourself later when you pull out a perfectly baked cinnamon apple cake that everyone will adore!Ready to mix and create some magic? Let's do it!
- Mix Dry Ingredients ThoroughlyWith the oven preheating, it's time to focus on mixing your dry ingredients thoroughly. Grab a medium bowl and start whisking together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. These ingredient ratios are essential as they'll give your cake the perfect structure and flavor.Now, let's talk about mixing techniques. When you whisk these ingredients together, you're ensuring that everything is evenly distributed. This step helps prevent clumps and enhances the cake's overall texture.Plus, isn't it satisfying to see that nice, fluffy mixture?As you combine these dry ingredients, take a moment to appreciate how they work together. The baking powder and baking soda will create that lovely rise, while the cinnamon adds a warm spice that echoes the holiday spirit.And don't forget, this is your cake – you can always play with the ratios or even add a dash of nutmeg if you like!
- Add Apples and NutsGently folding in the diced apples and chopped nuts is the next step to enhance your cake's flavor and texture. Imagine this: you're about to transform your batter into something truly special.As you add in those juicy apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, you're not just adding fruit; you're infusing your cake with sweetness and a bit of tartness that balances beautifully with the cinnamon.Now, let's talk about nut options. Whether you choose walnuts for their rich, earthy flavor or pecans for a buttery crunch, these nuts will create a delightful contrast to the soft cake.You'll want to guarantee that the apples and nuts are evenly distributed, so every slice offers that perfect bite of goodness.
- Fold in Wet IngredientsNow it's time to fold in the wet ingredients, bringing your batter to life. This step is where the magic happens!You'll start by gradually adding your sour cream and vanilla mixture to the dry ingredients. Remember, the goal here is to keep that light, fluffy texture, so use gentle wet ingredient techniques to maintain airiness.As you incorporate the wet ingredients, use folding methods instead of stirring aggressively. Picture yourself cradling the batter, gently lifting and turning it over. This way, you'll combine everything without deflating your hard work.Once you see no dry flour peeking through, it's time to add those delightful diced apples and chopped nuts. This isn't just about flavor; it's about creating a beautiful, colorful batter that's a feast for the eyes. Can you feel the excitement building?As you fold these in, you're ensuring every bite will be bursting with juicy apple goodness and crunchy nutty surprises. Trust your instincts—if it feels right, it probably is!Embrace this moment; you're one step closer to a warm, inviting cake that will make your home smell heavenly.
- Pour Batter Into PanIt's time to pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring you create a smooth and even layer. As you lift the bowl, feel the rich, creamy batter consistency—it's like a warm hug waiting to happen!Gently spoon the batter into the pan, spreading it with a spatula to achieve that perfect cake texture. You want every inch of the pan to be filled with that delightful mixture, so take your time.Can you smell the cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen? It's intoxicating! Just imagine how wonderful this cake will taste.Once you've poured the batter, give it a little wiggle to settle any air pockets. This step is essential for achieving that light, fluffy cake you crave.Now, sprinkle the nutty streusel topping generously over the surface, letting it cascade like a sweet, crunchy blanket. Are you excited yet? Your cake is on its way to becoming the star of your next gathering.
Nutrition
Calories: 642kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 10gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 369mgPotassium: 261mgFiber: 4gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 791IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 3mg