Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled and grated (granny smith and gala recommended)
Brown Sugar Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand-held mixer, beat the room temperature butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the pure vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing. The batter should look creamy.
- Incorporate sour cream: With the mixer on low speed, add the sour cream and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. The batter will appear fluffy; do not overmix.
- Prepare apples: Peel and grate two medium apples (a combination of granny smith and gala is recommended). Place the grated apples on a towel and gently pat to remove excess moisture.
- Fold apples into batter: Using a spatula, gently fold the grated apples into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting.
- Make the brown sugar frosting: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Once melted, bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add milk and cool: Stir in the whole milk and bring the mixture back to a boil. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. The frosting should still be warm but not hot; if it cools too much, it will thicken excessively.
- Incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Frost the cake: Immediately pour the brown sugar frosting over the cooled cake and spread it evenly. Allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a mixture of tart and sweet apples such as granny smith and gala for balanced flavor.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light texture.
- If frosting thickens too much while cooling, gently rewarm or add milk to loosen.
- For best results, use freshly sifted powdered sugar to avoid lumps in frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
