BLUE-RIBBON APPLE CAKE

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Blue-Ribbon Apple Cake image

From Cooks Illustrated: Finding a quick, simple cake with big apple flavor is a lot harder than it should be. We found that, more often than not, apple cakes are simply spice cakes studded with cubes of raw apple. Or they are as complicated as fine pastry. We wanted a simple, easy-to-make cake in which the sweet-tart flavor of the apples was the star of the show. Here's what we discovered: Test Kitchen Discoveries The apples must be cooked before baking to bring out the best of their flavor and reduce the juices that would otherwise turn the cake mushy as they steam. Cooking the apples in butter and sugar until soft adds a deep, caramel flavor to the cake. Not any apple will do. Tart Granny Smith apples provide the brightest, strongest apple flavor and most toothsome texture. Many other varieties turned bland and mushy once baked. For the batter, we favor a simple sour cream-style cake above the rest. The crumb is tender and the slight tanginess of the sour cream cuts through the cake's richness. Lots of recipes use Bundt pans or high-sided cake pans, but we found a low 9-inch cake pan yields the best ratio of cake to apple. Cooling the cake for five minutes before turning it out of the pan allows the caramel on the bottom of the pan time to harden just enough to stick to the apples, not the pan. "Granny Smiths are the best choice because they hold their shape nicely and are tart. Other apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as Cortlands, can also be used in this recipe. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream."

Provided by senseicheryl

Categories     Low Protein

Time 55m

Yield 1 9 inch pan, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing cake pan
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/8 teaspoon table salt
4 granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 5 cups)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon table salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks and brought to room temperature

Steps:

  • Adjust oven rack to center position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter 9-inch cake pan.
  • For the Apples: Place butter in large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once butter has stopped foaming, add sugar and stir to combine. Continue to cook until sugar turns dark brown (it should look like dark brown sugar), about 2 minutes, swirling pan occasionally. Add salt and apples and fold with spatula to combine. Cook, stirring often, until apples have softened slightly and juices are thickened and syrupy, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove pan from heat and spoon apples into prepared cake pan.
  • For the Cake:.
  • In small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sour cream, egg, yolk, and vanilla until well combined.
  • Place flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Use electric mixer on low speed for 15 seconds to blend. Add butter and remaining 1/4 cup sour cream and mix on low speed until dry ingredients are moistened, 1 to 2 minutes. Increase speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes. Add sour cream/egg mixture and beat on medium-high, scraping down sides of bowl, until batter is homogeneous and fluffy, about 1 minute.
  • Spoon batter over apples and gently spread out to thin layer that covers apples. Bake until cake is dark golden brown, feels set, and cake tester comes out clean when inserted in center, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Place serving plate over top of pan and invert. Let cake sit inverted for about 1 minute without tapping or shaking pan. Cake will slowly detach itself. Once cake is on platter, gently remove pan. Serve warm (not hot) or at room temperature.

inkogni
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This cake is a classic for a reason. It's simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I love the way the apples and cinnamon complement each other.


Francina Mwaanga
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I'm so glad I found this recipe. This cake is amazing! It's moist and flavorful, and the apples are perfectly cooked. I'll definitely be making this again and again.


sodiq olayemi
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This cake is delicious! It's the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. I love the way the apples and cinnamon complement each other.


Nuru Zzaman
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This recipe is a winner! The cake is moist and flavorful, and the apples are perfectly cooked. I'll definitely be making this again.


MD NAJIM SIKDAR
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This cake is so good! I love the moist texture and the sweet and tart flavor. It's the perfect fall dessert.


silvia garcia
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I'm not a baker, but this recipe was easy to follow and the cake turned out great. It's a delicious and impressive dessert.


Erdenetsetseg
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This cake is a family favorite. It's always a big hit at potlucks and parties.


NKN TV
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I've made this cake several times now and it's always a hit. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion.


Jansoon
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This cake is amazing! It's so moist and flavorful. I love the way the apples and cinnamon complement each other.


Ud Nsdj
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This cake was easy to make and turned out great! I used a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, and the cake was perfectly sweet and tart.


Joanne Delf
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This recipe is a keeper! The cake is so moist and flavorful. I love the addition of the nuts and raisins. It's the perfect fall dessert.


Lorraine Escareno
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I'm not a huge fan of apple cake, but this recipe changed my mind. The cake is moist and flavorful, and the apples are perfectly cooked. I'll definitely be making this again.


Sk NAHiD
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This cake is delicious! The apples give it a nice tartness that balances out the sweetness of the cake. I will definitely be making this again.


Roger Alcanzare
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to follow and the cake always turns out perfectly. I've made it several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Shamoi Stevens
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This apple cake is a real winner! It's moist and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The cake was a hit with my family and friends.