Looking for a simple and delicious dessert? You’ve found it! This One Bowl Apple Cake is easy to make and requires just a few key ingredients. You don’t need fancy tools or hours in the kitchen. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! Whether it’s for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this cake will become your new favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and tips to make it perfect!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for One Bowl Apple Cake
To make this easy one bowl apple cake, you will need:
– 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
These ingredients work together to create a moist and flavorful cake. The apples add sweetness and a nice texture. The sugars give it a lovely caramelized crust. The oils and eggs keep it rich and tender.
Optional Ingredients
To customize your cake, you might want to add:
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Adding nuts gives a crunchy bite. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a nice touch for serving. These options let you play with flavors and textures.
You can find the full recipe with instructions to guide you through the process. Enjoy baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step keeps the cake from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until everything is well combined. This creates a sweet base for your cake.
Mixing
Now, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. This makes the batter fluffy. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a nice flavor. Gently fold in the diced apples into the mixture. This gives the cake its fruity flavor. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This blends the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the apple mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If you want to add nuts, fold them into the batter now.
Baking
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. If you like, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious One Bowl Apple Cake! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Texture
To get the best texture in your cake, you must avoid overmixing. Overmixing makes the cake tough. Mix just until you see no flour lumps. A few lumps are okay and will help keep it soft.
Bake your cake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check it with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it has batter on it, give it a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
For a lovely presentation, cut the cake into squares. Use a decorative plate to make it shine. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top looks great. You can also add thin apple slices for fun color.
Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream goes well with the warm cake. You can even serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Customization Tips
Want to spice things up? Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger. These spices give your cake a warm flavor.
You can also add different fruits. Try using pears or peaches instead of apples. They will add a new twist to your cake. Each fruit brings its unique taste.
For the full recipe, check out the One Bowl Apple Cake section.
Variations
Nut-free One Bowl Apple Cake
If you want a nut-free version, just replace the nuts with seeds. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. They add a nice crunch without any nuts. This way, everyone can enjoy the cake without worrying about allergies. You can mix them in just like you would with nuts.
Gluten-free Option
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour alternatives. Almond flour or oat flour are great choices. You might need to adjust the liquid a bit. This change keeps the cake moist and tasty. Make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too!
More Flavor Options
To enhance the flavor, you can add citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest brightens the cake. It adds a fresh and zesty note that pairs well with apples. Another fun twist is adding chocolate chips. They melt into the cake and create delicious pockets of chocolate. You can mix in about a cup of chips for a sweet surprise.
This One Bowl Apple Cake is fun to customize! You can try different seeds, flours, or flavors. The possibilities are endless, and it always tastes great. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your One Bowl Apple Cake fresh, you have a couple of options.
– Storing in the refrigerator: If you want to keep the cake for a longer time, store it in the fridge. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays moist and doesn’t absorb fridge odors.
– Room temperature storage: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, you can store it at room temperature. Just cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. This keeps the cake fresh and yummy.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing your One Bowl Apple Cake is easy and keeps it tasty.
– How to freeze: First, let the cake cool completely. Once cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label it with the date.
– How to thaw the cake: When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also leave it at room temp for a few hours. This keeps it nice and soft.
Shelf Life
Knowing how long your cake stays fresh helps you enjoy it at its best.
– How long the cake stays fresh: If stored in the fridge, your Apple Cake can last about a week. At room temperature, it stays fresh for about three days. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Enjoy this simple and delicious treat when it’s at its best!
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use many apple types. Some apples work better for baking. I love using Granny Smith apples. They give a nice tartness. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. Fuji apples also add great flavor. For the best cake, pick apples that hold their shape when baked.
How do I know when the cake is done?
You can use two tests to check. The toothpick test is the most common. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. The pancake test is another fun way. If the top bounces back when you touch it, it’s ready.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead. It stores well for a few days. Keep it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just let it cool first, then wrap it tightly. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
This guide shared key ingredients and simple steps to make a delicious One Bowl Apple Cake. We covered the main and optional ingredients, essential tips for baking, and ways to customize your cake. You can also adapt it for allergies or personal tastes. Remember, the joy of baking lies in experimentation. So, go ahead and make this cake your own. Enjoy the wonderful smells and flavors that fill your kitchen as you create this treat!
