Sweet Apple Cake Recipe: A Fall Favorite for Your Dessert Table

Crafting a delightful apple cake brings pure joy to your baking adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon dance through your kitchen.

Cinnamon and soft fruit create magical moments for everyone.

Seasonal ingredients spark memories of cozy autumn afternoons.

Warm slices promise comfort and delectable pleasure.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet irresistible dessert.

You’ll want to slice into this tender, fragrant treat right away.

Why James Martin Apple Cake Is So Loved

• Boost Baking Skills: Perfect recipe for novice bakers wanting to level up their pastry game with simple steps and minimal technique requirements.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, warm flavors that appeal to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations.
• Seasonal Versatility: Showcases autumn's best ingredients with fresh apples and warming spices, transforming basic ingredients into a delectable dessert that captures seasonal charm.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal prep time and straightforward mixing technique, allowing bakers to create a sophisticated dessert without complex culinary skills.

James Martin Apple Cake Ingredient Checklist

• Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender texture.
• Flour: The primary base that gives the cake its structure.
• Apples: Fresh apples add moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.

• Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the dessert.
• Whiskey: Provides a deep, complex flavor note to the cake.
• Espresso: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Spices, Salt: Provide warmth and balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Walnuts: Add crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

How To Prepare James Martin Apple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your 9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure every corner is covered for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the eggs and sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy mixture. Pour in the oil, splash of vanilla, sprinkle of warm spices, pinch of salt, dash of whiskey, and a shot of espresso. Whisk everything until it’s beautifully blended.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda into the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

• Chopped apples
• Crunchy walnuts

Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cake rest for 15 minutes before carefully flipping it out of the pan.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice up your masterpiece and serve it warm or at room temperature. A dollop of fresh cream or a drizzle of custard takes this cake to the next level of deliciousness.

Tips For A Perfect James Martin Apple Cake

• Boost Apple Texture: Toss chopped apples in flour before adding to batter to prevent sinking and ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
• Control Moisture: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better structure and less watery cake consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of whiskey or espresso to intensify the cake's rich, complex taste profile.
• Perfect Baking Technique: Check cake doneness early, around 35 minutes, to avoid overbaking and maintain a moist, tender crumb.
• Serve with Flair: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for an elegant presentation that elevates the dessert.

Fun Ways To Tweak James Martin Apple Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil, and replace dairy cream with cashew whipped topping.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Apple Cake: Use coconut flour, erythritol instead of sugar, add extra nuts for healthy fats and lower carbohydrate content.

What Matches Well With James Martin Apple Cake

• Pair Spiced Whiskey Apple Cake with Complementary Flavors
• Brew Rich Cinnamon Latte: Complement the cake's warm spices with a creamy cinnamon latte, enhancing the whiskey and espresso notes for a cozy autumn experience.
• Match with Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle homemade salted caramel over the cake to amplify the sweet-savory profile, creating a luxurious dessert moment.
• Select Aged Bourbon Pairing: Serve a small glass of smooth aged bourbon alongside the cake, allowing the whiskey in the dessert to harmonize with the drink's complex oak and vanilla undertones.

Best Storage For James Martin Apple Cake

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice cake, place parchment between layers, seal in freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Keeps perfectly for 2-3 months. Label with date.
• Warm gently in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, use toaster oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Leave cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain moisture and texture.

James Martin Apple Cake FAQ Guide

• Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of whiskey?

Yes, you can substitute whiskey with rum or brandy for a similar depth of flavor, or use apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.

• Do I need to peel the apples before adding them to the cake?

It’s recommended to peel the apples to ensure a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer extra fiber and a rustic look.

• How do I know the apples are properly mixed into the batter?

Gently fold the apples until they are evenly distributed, with no large clumps of dry flour or concentrated apple areas.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you use one designed for baking to maintain the cake’s texture.

Apple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40-50 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and brown sugar dance through kitchens when baking this classic Apple Cake from traditional German bakeries. Warm slices paired with vanilla ice cream offer pure comfort, inviting you to savor each delightful, spiced bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 small apples, diced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
• 1/3 cup neutral oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Leavening and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon whiskey (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Whisk eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, creating a light, airy base for the cake.
2. Incorporate oil, vanilla extract, aromatic spices, salt, whiskey, and espresso into the egg mixture, blending until smooth and fragrant.
3. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and baking soda, mixing until just combined to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
4. Carefully fold chopped apples and crushed walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
5. Transfer the batter to a prepared 9-inch pan, using a spatula to spread and level the surface smoothly.
6. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to complete cooling.
8. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a rich custard for added indulgence.

Notes

• Swap whiskey for apple juice to create a non-alcoholic version perfect for family gatherings.
• Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cake’s texture.
• Use a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex, balanced sweetness and better structural integrity.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent over-baking, as moisture from apples can impact cooking time – start testing around 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30-40 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg