Save Experience the cozy charm of a Dutch kitchen with this Baked Apple Cake. This casserole-style breakfast treats you to the warm, comforting flavors of tender apples and aromatic spices without the fuss of flipping individual pancakes. It is a soft, golden delight that fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, making every morning feel like a special occasion.
Save Whether you are hosting a weekend brunch or simply want a wholesome start to your day, this recipe delivers. The thin slices of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples soften beautifully during the forty-minute bake, while the cinnamon-sugar topping forms a delicate, sweet crust that contrasts perfectly with the fluffy interior.
Ingredients
- Apples: 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Wet Ingredients: 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/3 cup (75 g) light brown sugar (packed), 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled), 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Topping: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Step 2: Prepare Apples
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Set aside.
- Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Step 5: Mix Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 6: Incorporate Apples
- Fold in the prepared apples. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Step 7: Add Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the topping sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Step 8: Bake
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of crème fraîche.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use firm baking apples like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; a few small lumps are fine and ensure the cake remains light and fluffy rather than dense.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this cake by adding a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts to the batter for extra texture. To make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use melted vegan butter.
Serviervorschläge
While delicious on its own, this Baked Apple Cake reaches new heights when served with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, or traditional crème fraîche. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a beautiful, bakery-style finish.
Save Bring a piece of European comfort to your table with this simple yet elegant Baked Apple Cake. It is a versatile dish that transitions perfectly from a cozy family breakfast to a sophisticated brunch dessert, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use various apple varieties. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well for their balance of tartness and sweetness. You can also use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn depending on your preference. Mixing multiple varieties adds depth of flavor.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven before serving for the best texture.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute whole milk with your preferred plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. Replace the melted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture and flavor remain excellent with these substitutions.
- → What toppings work well with this cake?
Powdered sugar adds a lovely touch when dusted over the warm cake. Crème fraîche, whipped cream, or vanilla yogurt complement the spiced flavors beautifully. You could also drizzle with maple syrup or serve alongside vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- → Can I add other ingredients like nuts or raisins?
Yes, the batter accommodates add-ins wonderfully. Fold in a handful of raisins, chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries before baking. These additions provide extra texture and complement the apple and cinnamon flavors.
- → Is this cake suitable for meal prep?
Perfect for meal prep. Bake on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. Individual portions reheat easily for quick breakfasts. The cake stays moist when stored properly and the cinnamon-spiced aroma when reheating makes weekday mornings special.