Apple and Cinnamon Cake

Instructions for the Perfect Apple and Cinnamon Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or a similar-sized cake pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

• Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
• In a small bowl, mix the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Optionally, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake.