dutch apple cake recipe

dutch apple cake recipe

The Best dutch apple cake recipe

I’ve always been a fan of traditional Dutch recipes, and one of my favorites is the Dutch Apple Cake. This moist and flavorful cake is a staple in many Dutch households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through an old cookbook, and I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and charm. The combination of tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet caramelized sugar is a match made in heaven, and I knew I had to give it a try.

As I began experimenting with the recipe, I was impressed by how versatile it was – whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert for a family gathering or a show-stopping centerpiece for a holiday party, this cake is sure to impress. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. All you need is a few basic ingredients and some patience to let the flavors meld together.

Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this cake has been a beloved Dutch tradition for generations. The texture is divine – moist and fluffy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch from the walnuts. And the flavors! Oh my goodness, the combination of sweet caramelized sugar and tangy apples is pure perfection.

My family devours it in minutes, and I’m always happy to oblige their requests for seconds (or thirds!) This cake is truly a labor of love, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it all those years ago. Now, let’s talk about the key technique that makes this cake so special: the use of browned butter instead of regular butter. It adds an unparalleled depth of flavor to the cake that’s just magic.

Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with this technique – it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it! Just be sure to keep an eye on your butter as it browns – it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds! But trust me when I say that this technique makes all the difference in this cake’s flavor profile.

Dutch Apple Cake

Dutch Apple Cake

4.8 from 917 votes

A classic Dutch apple cake features a buttery, dense cake base topped with a generous layer of spiced apples and a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust. This rustic dessert is perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy afternoon coffee break.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

For the Apple Topping

3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
7Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
8Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping them.
10In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the apples.
11Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top, and finish by sprinkling the brown sugar over the apples.
12Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13The apples should be tender and the topping bubbly.
14Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
15Carefully remove the cake from the pan, peel off the parchment paper, and serve warm or at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

9-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 220mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness. For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Watch Video Of How Dutch Apple Cake Works

One thing that sets this cake apart from other desserts is its impressive shelf life – whether you store it at room temperature or in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer, it stays fresh for days (even weeks!)

This makes it perfect for large gatherings or events where food needs to be prepared ahead of time.

When serving this cake at home, try pairing slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an added touch of indulgence.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dutch Apple Cake

Q: What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a combination of Granny Smith and Gala apples. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances out the sweetness of the Gala apples.

Q: Can I substitute other types of nuts for the walnuts?

A: While walnuts are traditional in this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other types of nuts if you prefer. Some options include almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.

Q: Why do I need to brown the butter before using it in this recipe?

A: Browning the butter before using it in this recipe adds an incredible depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with regular butter. The process involves cooking the butter over low heat until it reaches a golden brown color – just be sure not to let it burn!

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! This cake freezes beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead of time if you need to prep for an event or party.

Q: What if I don’t have any buttermilk on hand?

A: No problem! You can easily substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice.

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