Smitten Kitchen's Best Apple Cake Recipe

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Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious apple cake? This isn't just any apple cake; it's the apple cake from Smitten Kitchen that everyone raves about. Simple to make and incredibly moist, this cake is perfect for a cozy weekend baking project or a delightful dessert to impress your friends and family.

Why This Apple Cake Rocks

  • Moist and Tender: The combination of oil and applesauce ensures a super moist cake.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already.
  • Versatile: Add nuts, raisins, or spices to customize it to your liking.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, everyone loves this cake!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the baking process, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect apple cake every time.

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, and applesauce. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Add Apples (and Nuts): Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using).
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or a simple glaze, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake

  • Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
  • Use a Variety of Apples: Mixing different types of apples adds complexity to the flavor.
  • Let it Cool: Patience is key! Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
  • Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas:

  • Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake after baking.
  • Spiced Apple Cake: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the batter.
  • Apple Crumble Cake: Top the cake with a buttery crumble topping before baking.

This Smitten Kitchen apple cake is a guaranteed hit. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make it a must-try recipe for any baking enthusiast. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the best apple cake you’ve ever had!