A Slice of Comfort – Classic Dutch Apple Cake

This Dutch Apple Cake, known for its moist texture and rich apple flavor, is a comforting treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust, it’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until combined.
5. Arrange the Apples:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
   • Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter, slightly overlapping in a circular pattern, pressing them down lightly into the batter.
6. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
   • Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple slices.
7. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Dutch Apple Cake is wonderfully aromatic and flavorful, a perfect dessert for any season, especially fall when apples are at their peak. Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors that make this cake a beloved treat.