Dutch apple pie cake: the name alone evokes warmth, comfort, and the sweet anticipation of a delicious dessert. Imagine a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake, studded with tender apples and topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel. This delightful hybrid dessert combines the best of both worlds – the homey goodness of a cake and the irresistible allure of a classic apple pie.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s create a dessert masterpiece together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Apple Filling:
- 4-5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional)
Baking the Perfect Dutch Apple Pie Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.
2. Creating the Apple Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
3. Making the Delicious Crumb Topping
- In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assembling the Dutch Apple Pie Cake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Arrange the apple filling in an even layer over the batter.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the apples.
5. Baking and Cooling
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents it from being runny.
Tips for a Scrumptious Dutch Apple Pie Cake
- Apple Selection: While the recipe mentions Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties. For a tarter flavor, Granny Smith apples are a great choice. For a sweeter pie, opt for Honeycrisp or Gala.
- Enhancing the Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of ground cardamom or allspice to the apple filling. You can also sprinkle a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or pecans over the crumb topping for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Serving Suggestions: A warm slice of Dutch apple pie cake is heavenly on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
FAQs About Dutch Apple Pie Cake
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the cake up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Q: My crumb topping seems a bit dry. Can I add more butter?
A: Yes, you can add a tablespoon or two of melted butter to the crumb topping if it seems too dry. This will help bind the crumbs together and create a more cohesive topping.
Q: Can I use a different type of pan?
A: While a 9×13 inch baking pan is recommended, you can use a 9-inch square pan or a round springform pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as the cake may bake faster or slower in a different sized pan.
Dutch Apple Pie Cake
Apple Pie Cake Ingredients
This Dutch apple pie cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and cherished memories. It’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones, creating moments of pure happiness with every delicious bite. So go ahead, bake this heartwarming dessert and savor the delightful flavors of fall in every slice.
Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your experience making this Dutch apple pie cake. We’d love to hear from you!
For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, be sure to explore our other posts on [internal_links]. Happy baking!
