Indulge in Comfort: Kentucky Apple Cake Recipe
There’s something truly special about homemade desserts, especially when they’re filled with the comforting flavors of fall. Our Kentucky Apple Cake recipe is a delightful blend of moist cake infused with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a rich glaze. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with loved ones, this cake captures the essence of comfort food in every bite. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create this delicious dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 sticks margarine
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups finely chopped apples
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup real vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Add the cinnamon, buttermilk, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Gradually add the sugar, baking powder, margarine, baking soda, flour, and salt to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples, light corn syrup, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Make the Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Stir in the baking soda, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat.
5. Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Kentucky Apple Cake into squares and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delicious flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and rich glaze with each bite!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for varying levels of sweetness and tartness in the cake.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the chopped walnuts for a nut-free version of the cake. Alternatively, you can replace them with chopped pecans or omit them altogether.
- Glaze Variation: For a decadent twist, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle the glazed cake with a dusting of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use butter instead of margarine in this recipe? A: Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in equal amounts for a slightly different flavor profile. The texture and consistency of the cake may vary slightly.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover slices of Kentucky Apple Cake for future enjoyment. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I make this cake keto-friendly? A: To make a keto-friendly version of this cake, you can substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia for the sugar. Use melted butter instead of margarine, and adjust the other ingredients accordingly to fit your dietary preferences.
Q: How should I store leftovers of this cake? A: Store leftover Kentucky Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the cake for longer shelf life, though it may become slightly denser in texture when chilled.
Keto-Friendly Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of Kentucky Apple Cake, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia for the sugar. Use melted butter instead of margarine, and adjust the other ingredients accordingly to fit your dietary preferences.
Low-Carb Variation:
For a low-carb variation, use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour. Replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener, and omit the light corn syrup in the cake batter. Use melted butter for the glaze instead of margarine, and adjust the quantity of liquid sweetener to taste.
In conclusion, Kentucky Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall with its warm flavors and comforting aroma. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat after dinner or served alongside a cup of hot coffee on a chilly afternoon, this cake is sure to please. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s perfect for novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your senses with the irresistible taste of Kentucky Apple Cake!
