Prepare for a warm embrace of flavors with this apple cake, a delight that marries the tender tartness of fresh apples with the sweet allure of caramel. This treat is a testament to autumn's bounty but is a welcome indulgence in any season.
Ingredients for Cake Batter:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¼ cups (180g), sifted
- Baking Powder: ¾ teaspoon, for lift
- Baking Soda: ¼ teaspoon, for a tender crumb
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, to enhance flavors
- Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (56g), softened to a cream-ready consistency
- Dark Brown Sugar: ⅔ cup (145g), packed for a molasses kiss
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml), for a fragrant sweetness
- Large Eggs: 2, to bind and enrich
- Full Fat Plain Yogurt: ⅔ cup (160ml), for moisture and tang
- Tart Apples: 3 cups (300g), chopped into ½-inch cubes, for a juicy bite
For the Cinnamon Topping:
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ tablespoons, for a sweet crunch
- Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon, for warmth
Plus:
- A generous drizzle of Salted Caramel Sauce
Instructions:
- Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment, leaving a thoughtful overhang for easy removal.
- Dry Mix: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, setting the stage for a well-blended cake.
- Butter Blend: Cream the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Introduce the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated, resulting in a creamy mixture. Blend in half of the flour mix, followed by the yogurt, and then the remaining flour, mixing just until the batter is nearly smooth, with a few floury ribbons remaining.
- Apple Incorporation: Toss 2 cups of apples with cinnamon, then fold into the batter. Spread the batter in the pan, then artistically scatter the remaining apples on top, followed by a drizzle of 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce.
- Topping Touch: Mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle over the cake like a sweet dusting of snow. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean from the center.
- Cool and Caramel: Let the cake cool on a wire rack for an hour, then invite the salted caramel sauce to cascade over the cake before serving.
Invitation to Indulge: Slice into this heartwarming cake and let each bite remind you of cozy days. Don't forget to share this beautiful blend of apple and caramel with friends and loved ones, and for more delightful recipes, make sure to bookmark our daily treasures of taste!
