The iconic flavors of apple and cinnamon infuse this simple and moist cake, making it a delicious snack, part of breakfast, or add a dollop of whipped cream and make it dessert! There is not much in this world that is better on a cold day than the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. And the result of this delicious baking aroma is so rewarding–a comforting apple snacking cake that will warm bodies and souls. The cake fills a 9 x 13 baking dish, so it makes enough to serve a group if you have guests, or it will possibly last more than a day, if you don’t.
Apples are one of my favorite fruits to bake with, which anyone can probably guess just by looking at my blog. They are versatile and abundant here in Michigan, and to me, they signify much that is good about fall and the coming winter: cider mills, cozy kitchens, delicious baking scents, walks in the fresh, chilly air, and warm apple pies, crisps, and cakes.
I adapted this recipe from my Hollyhocks & Radishes cookbook, by Bonnie Stewart Michelson. The biggest change I made was that I used melted butter and milk in place of the vegetable oil, just because I prefer to bake with butter than oil when I can. Also, I omitted the raisins and chopped walnuts, because I was trying to keep it simple and please lots of different tastes. The result is a deliciously simple and simply delicious apple cake, perfect with a glass of milk, or a cup of coffee or tea. Whipped cream and vanilla ice cream also go extremely well with it.
I posted a recipe for a very simple apple cake about a year ago, and that one is a bit quicker to make and a much smaller cake, serving just four people. This apple snacking cake is more substantial and can serve up to 12 people, perfect if you are expecting guests over the holidays, or if you are taking a dish to a holiday gathering. Or if you have a hungry family (which I often do!)
After a very warm early fall, the weather has turned suddenly cold, and it is hygge season! According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, hygge is “1) a Danish word for a quality of cosiness (= feeling warm, comfortable, and safe) that comes from doing simple things such as lighting candles, baking, or spending time at home with your family: 2) having the quality of cosiness (= feeling warm, comfortable, and safe).” In addition, things like warm blankets, hot drinks, and wool sweaters encourage the feeling of hygge.
I was first introduced to the concept of hygge a couple of years ago, and since then have really enjoyed cultivating it (yes, hygge is very trendy, and maybe by now it is even beyond trendy, and possibly not cool at all anymore). But trendy or not, I don’t care. With the long stretches of cold and gray we have here in Michigan, I have found it very comforting and fun to embrace this lovely approach to winter.
This apple snacking cake evokes the feeling of hygge as well, both the baking of it and the eating of it, and if you are in need of some cozy baking, make yourself a cup of tea or some mulled cider or wine, and give this recipe a try. I have been away from the blogosphere for a few weeks, pursuing other opportunities. However, no matter what comes of those other pursuits (and I have hopes for an interesting option), I have missed this space very much, and will continue to keep it, as it is special and close to my heart. I hope you all have a great week!
Happy Apple Snacking Cake
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of apple, peeled and diced
- 3 cups of all purpose flour
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (one stick), melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup of milk (I use 2%)
- 2 eggs
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt your butter and then remove it from the heat to cool. Wash, peel, and dice your apples. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a glass measuring cup with a spout, pour your 3/4 cup milk. In the same cup, add the eggs and beat them lightly with the milk. Pour the milk/egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Then pour the melted butter into the bowl. Mix gently with a wooden spoon, until the ingredients are just combined. Fold the diced apples into the batter. Be careful not to over-mix. Spoon the batter into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake in your 350 degree oven for about 55 minutes to an hour, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool a bit in the pan before cutting it. Serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or just by itself. Enjoy!
The post Happy Apple Snacking Cake first appeared on the website Dragonfly Home Recipes.
