This apple cream cake recipe offers a delightful combination of tart apples and rich cream, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is especially popular in the fall when apples are at their best. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a weekend treat, it’s sure to be a hit.
For those who love experimenting with flavors, you can also try making these baked donuts, which pair well with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Choosing the right apples is key. A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp provides the ideal flavor balance. If you’re interested in learning about other delicious recipes that feature apples, you might want to check out this guide on fried apple pies.
Ingredients for Apple Cream Cake
For the Cake:
- 3 medium tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves or ginger (for extra spice)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cream Cake
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Set them aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the apple slices into the batter. If adding nuts or spices, fold them in at this stage as well.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Choosing the Right Apples for Apple Cream Cake
For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples are ideal for adding tartness, while Honeycrisp adds a subtle sweetness. Mixing the two creates a perfect balance in the cake. For more apple-based inspiration, you might want to check out this recipe for southern fried chicken which pairs beautifully with apple-based desserts.
Variations of Apple Cream Cake
This apple cream cake recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes:
- Cream Cheese Apple Cake: Add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the batter for a richer texture.
- Sour Cream Apple Cake: Substitute the heavy cream with sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- Nutty Apple Cake: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Cinnamon Crumble Topping: Add a cinnamon crumble made with butter, sugar, and flour for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cream Cake
This apple cream cake is best enjoyed warm. Here are some ways to serve it:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A simple, elegant way to enhance the presentation.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake for a richer flavor.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
- Whipped Cream: Top the cake with freshly whipped cream for a light and fluffy contrast to the moist cake.
Storing and Freezing Apple Cream Cake
- Storing: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days to keep it fresh longer.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will last up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and reheat if desired.
FAQs about Apple Cream Cake
What kind of apples should I use for apple cream cake?
Use tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a balanced flavor and texture.
Can I substitute the cream with something else?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and a moist texture.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
To keep apples from sinking, toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. This helps distribute them evenly throughout the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum.
Can I add frosting or glaze?
Yes, a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk would complement this cake beautifully.
This apple cream cake recipe is a delightful dessert that brings out the best flavors of apples and cream. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Pair it with a caramel drizzle or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will love!
PrintApple Cream Cake Recipe : Moist and Flavorful
Description
Enjoy this moist and flavorful apple cream cake recipe, made with tart apples and rich cream. Perfect for any occasion or family gathering.
Ingredients
For the Cream:
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
- 8g (1 tsp) vanilla sugar
- 60g (4 tbsp) sugar
- 40g (4 tbsp) cornstarch
- 250ml (1 cup) milk
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 30g (1.5 tbsp) butter
For the Cake:
- 2 apples (1 diced, 1 thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 8g (1 tsp) vanilla sugar
- 120g (0.6 cup) sugar
- 100ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
- 130ml (1/2 cup) warm milk
- 280g (1.75 cups) flour
- 16g (2 tsp) baking powder
- 50g raisins
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp milk
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the Cream:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the egg, salt, vanilla sugar, and sugar.
- Add cornstarch and milk, whisking until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and butter until combined.
- Cover with plastic wrap to prevent skin from forming and let cool.
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a 24cm cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk 2 eggs with salt until frothy.
- Add vanilla sugar and sugar, mixing until light and airy.
- Gradually mix in oil and warm milk.
- Fold in the flour and baking powder, followed by diced apples and raisins.
Assemble the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cooled cream over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top, covering the cream.
- Arrange the thinly sliced apples over the batter.
Egg Wash:
- Mix 1 egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of milk.
- Brush over the apple slices.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence!
Enjoy your Apple Cream Cake, perfect for any occasion!