European Apple Cake Recipe
If you adore the comforting aroma of baked apples mingling with warm spices, then this European Apple Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This cake is a delightful celebration of tender apple slices nestled within a moist, cinnamon-spiced batter that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive occasion, this recipe brings a slice of European charm right into your kitchen with a beautifully textured, flavorful cake that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the tartness of apples to the richness of melted butter, these essentials come together to form a cake that’s both homey and elegant.
- 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Gala): These add natural sweetness and a hint of tartness that brighten the cake.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cake.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the tart apples with necessary sweetness.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice to elevate the flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the taste beautifully.
- 3 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind the ingredients together.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Creates moistness and buttery flavor throughout the cake.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps your cake rise to a lovely, tender crumb.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without being overpowering.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Adds a pretty finishing touch with a gentle sweetness.
How to Make European Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into thin wedges. This step is crucial because thin slices soften beautifully during baking while keeping their shape, which creates lovely texture contrasts in the finished cake.
Step 2: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. The parchment helps prevent sticking and makes sure your cake comes out smoothly after baking.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This mixture forms the flavorful backbone of your batter and ensures that the sugar and spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth, then add the vanilla extract and melted butter. These wet components bring moisture and richness to your cake, helping to create its signature soft crumb.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps your European Apple Cake Recipe tender and light.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Then arrange half of the apple slices on top, followed by the remaining batter. Finally, place the rest of the apple slices on top. This layering ensures every bite has a delicious balance of moist cake and baked apples.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time allows the apples to become tender while the cake golden beautifully around them.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes first, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch that looks and tastes wonderful.
How to Serve European Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your European Apple Cake Recipe presentation, consider dusting it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey. Fresh mint leaves or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream also complement the cake’s warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, whip up some fresh cream or serve alongside a bowl of cinnamon-spiced yogurt to add an extra layer of creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress guests, slice the cake into thick wedges and serve on individual dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or a caramel sauce drizzle. You can also layer slices inside a trifling glass with custard and more fresh apple slices for a stunning dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your European Apple Cake Recipe keeps well when stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. This way, the cake stays moist without drying out. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate it to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may change the texture, but if pressed for time, a quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave can suffice.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this European Apple Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Gala apples are preferred for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for different flavor nuances.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative and use your favorite dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still be delightful.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?
Definitely. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch, and raisins provide bursts of sweetness that pair wonderfully with the spices.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and the apple slices tender.
What’s the best way to slice this apple cake?
Use a serrated knife and cut gently to avoid squashing the tender slices of apple. Wiping the knife between slices will give you cleaner cuts and more beautiful servings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade European Apple Cake Recipe—its warm spices, tender apples, and moist crumb create a dessert that feels like a heartfelt hug from the inside. I can’t recommend enough that you try baking this classic recipe soon. Once you do, it might just become a beloved tradition in your kitchen too.
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European Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This European Apple Cake is a moist and tender dessert showcasing the natural sweetness and tartness of apples layered within a cinnamon-spiced batter. Featuring a simple preparation and baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for any occasion and pairs wonderfully with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Gala)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup milk
For Serving
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Set aside for layering later in the cake.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly and then add the vanilla extract and melted butter, mixing well.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients alternately with the milk. Stir gently until just combined to form a smooth cake batter, being careful not to overmix.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange half of the apple slices evenly over the batter.
- Add Remaining Batter and Apples: Pour the remaining batter over the layered apples, smoothing the surface, and then top with the remaining apple slices for a beautiful finish.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool: Remove the cake from oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps it set properly.
- Serve: Once completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Optionally, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choosing tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Line the cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Check the cake for doneness with a toothpick to avoid under or over-baking.
- Serving warm with ice cream is a delicious way to enjoy this cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
