Apricot cake is a delightful treat that combines the bright, tangy flavor of apricots with a moist, tender crumb. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic, a potluck with friends, or simply an afternoon treat with a cup of tea. Today, we’ll guide you through the steps to bake a delicious apricot cake right in your own kitchen. Don’t worry if you’re a baking newbie, we’ll provide plenty of tips and tricks to make the process a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (150g) chopped apricots (fresh or dried)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons apricot preserves
- 1 tablespoon milk
Mixing apricot cake batter
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatulas (1 large, 1 small)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls (2 large, 1 small)
- Wire rack
Baking Your Apricot Cake Step-by-Step
1. Preparing Your Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Lining the bottom of the pans with parchment paper will also help prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results.
4. Adding the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Expert Tip from Chef Emily: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined – a few lumps are okay!
6. Folding in the Apricots
Gently fold in the chopped apricots using a spatula.
7. Baking the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling the Cake
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Two apricot cakes cooling
Making the Apricot Glaze
1. Whisking the Glaze Ingredients
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apricot preserves, and milk until smooth.
2. Glazing the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Pour half of the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Top with the second cake layer and pour the remaining glaze over the top.
FAQs About Making Apricot Cake
Q: Can I use frozen apricots?
A: Yes, you can use frozen apricots. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding them to the batter.
Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk?
A: Absolutely! You can make your own buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q: How should I store my apricot cake?
A: Store your apricot cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Enjoy Your Homemade Apricot Cake!
Congratulations, you’ve baked a beautiful and delicious apricot cake! The combination of the sweet cake and the tangy apricot glaze is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to get creative with the decoration; toasted almonds, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream would make beautiful additions. Don’t forget to share your baking triumph with us by leaving a comment below. We’d love to hear about your apricot cake adventure!
If you’re looking for more fruit-filled baking inspiration, check out our recipes for Apricot Brandy Cake, Fruit Cake, and Dundee Cake. Happy baking!
