Apple Tea Cake is a delightful, light dessert that combines the sweetness of tender, spiced apples with a moist, buttery cake. Perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy treat, this cake has a soft crumb and is topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. The apples bake into the cake, infusing each bite with natural sweetness and a hint of tartness. Simple yet elegant, this cake is a comforting way to enjoy the flavors of autumn, though it’s delicious any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Arrange the apple slices over the top of the batter, slightly overlapping them in a spiral pattern.
- Add Topping: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy this tender and fragrant Apple Tea Cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee, a comforting treat for any occasion!
