About
There's something about the simplicity of this Homestyle Apple Cake that brings a smile to people's faces and amazes everyone who sees it. The cake is golden and tender, with a hint of buttery rum and floral vanilla baked right in. Of course, the softened, sweet, and tart apples add a fruity flavor and a summery feeling to each slice. Topped with a snowy, dusting of confectioner's sugar, Homestyle Apple Cake is rustic yet elegant; a dessert that is sure to impress any crowd!
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more, to taste, for greasing the pan
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into a measuring cup and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons dark rum
- 2 baking apples, peeled and cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- confectioners' sugar, optional, to taste, for topping
Directions
Step 1 -Set an oven rack in the middle position.
Step 2 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 3 -Grease a 9-inch springform or regular cake pan with the extra butter or nonstick cooking spray. If using a regular pan, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease it well.
Step 4 -In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, the baking powder, and the salt.
Step 5 -Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the remaining 1 stick of the butter and 2/3 cup of the granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 6 -Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture, beating well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
Step 7 -Beat the vanilla and the rum into the butter mixture.
Step 8 -Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 9 -Using a rubber spatula, fold in the apples.
Step 10 -Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading the top until even.
Step 11 -Sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 12 -Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.
Step 13 -Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a rack.
Step 14 -Run a blunt knife around the edges of the cake and (if using a springform pan) remove the sides. If using a regular pan, carefully invert the cake onto the rack and gently flip the cake over onto a platter.
Step 15 -Using a fine sieve, dust the top of the cake with the confectioners' sugar.
Step 16 -Serve.
