Description
A moist, spiced apple cake with a rich brown butter maple glaze. This foolproof dessert is easier than pie and perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium fresh apples (approx. 750g), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon flour (for tossing apples)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and dust with flour, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Toss diced apples with 1 teaspoon of flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold apple chunks into the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, melt 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it foams, crackles, and turns brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and cool for 2 minutes.
- Whisk brown butter, maple syrup, and powdered sugar together. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until a drizzle-able consistency is reached.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Once slightly cooled (warm, not hot), drizzle the glaze over the top. Let set for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use firm baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best emulsion. Do not glaze the cake while it is hot, or the glaze will melt and run off. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of cake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: apple cake, brown butter glaze, maple glaze, easy dessert, autumn baking, homemade cake, fresh apple dessert