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Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Mascarpone:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until smooth and creamy. The mascarpone will blend with the butter, creating a velvety texture.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold the thinly sliced apples into the cake batter using a spatula. The apples will add moisture and texture to the cake, so distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few crumbs attached.
If the cake begins to brown too quickly on top, you can loosely cover it with foil in the last 15 minutes of baking.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired, for a decorative touch.
9. Enjoy!
Slice and serve the cake! It’s wonderful on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success:
Choosing Apples: Use apples that hold up well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. These apples are sweet and slightly tart, providing great flavor and texture in the cake.
Mascarpone Substitute: If you can’t find mascarpone, you can substitute it with cream cheese, but the texture and flavor will be a bit different. Mascarpone gives the cake a richer, creamier texture.
Adding Spice: If you enjoy a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients along with the cinnamon.
Storage: The cake stays moist for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze individual slices for a later treat!
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