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Ina Garten Apple Cake Recipe

Ina Garten Apple Cake Recipe

If you love the aroma of freshly baked apples mingling with warm spices, Ina Garten’s apple cake is a must-try!

I’ve made this cake several times, and it never disappoints.

Using Granny Smith apples gives it a perfect balance of tart and sweet.

One thing I love about this recipe is how moist it turns out, thanks to the addition of sour cream.

Be sure to toast your pecans before adding them; it enhances the flavor and adds a lovely crunch!

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

How to Make Ina Garten Apple Cake

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 1 cup Butter (room temperature)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 4 cups Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2:

Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 4:

Gently fold in the apple slices.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

Step 5:

Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

ina garten apple cake piece

Using Fresh Apples:

Always use fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Peeling and slicing the apples uniformly helps with even baking.

Mixing the Batter:

Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to avoid a tough cake.

Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

Enhancing Flavors:

Soak the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice and cinnamon before folding them into the batter to enhance their flavor.

You can also toast some pecans and add them to the batter for a crunch.

Cooling the Cake:

Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.

Cooling helps the cake to set properly.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful apple cake!

What to Serve with Ina Garten Apple Cake

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with Ina Garten’s apple cake.

The cold, smooth texture complements the warm, spiced flavors of the cake.

It’s a classic choice that never disappoints!

Cinnamon Custard

Another delicious option to consider is cinnamon custard.

The aromatic notes of cinnamon highlight the spices in the apple cake beautifully.

You can drizzle it over the cake or serve it on the side for a delightful dipping experience.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad can add a light and refreshing contrast to the rich apple cake.

Consider using seasonal fruits like berries, citrus, or even a mix of tropical fruits.

The fresh flavors will balance the dessert perfectly.

Caramel Sauce

Caramel sauce offers a luxurious addition to your slice of apple cake.

Drizzle a generous amount over your cake to add a sweet, buttery richness.

This combination is sure to be a hit.

Cheese Board

For a savory twist, a cheese board can be a unique and complementary addition.

Choose a selection of soft and hard cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts.

The varied textures and flavors provide an interesting contrast to the cake.

Variations and Substitutions

Experimenting with different variations and substitutions can add a fun twist to Ina Garten’s apple cake!

You can swap out Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter, juicier flavor.

Using pears instead of apples also works well for a unique spin.

Add a handful of dried cranberries to the batter for an extra burst of tartness and color.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right consistency.

A small amount of xanthan gum can help the texture.

Nuts and Seeds

Chopped walnuts or pecans can be a delightful addition.

They bring a nice crunch and a deeper flavor profile.

Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work too if you want a nut-free option.

Spices

Feel free to play around with the spices!

Adding cardamom or allspice can provide a different warmth and complexity.

For a slightly more robust flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.

Sweeteners

You can reduce the sugar content by using alternatives like honey or maple syrup.

Keep in mind these may alter the cake’s texture slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Try these variations to make the apple cake your own!

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Apple Cake

Once you’ve baked your delicious Ina Garten Apple Cake, proper storage is key to preserving its flavor and texture.

Wrap your leftover apple cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.

Make sure every exposed piece is covered to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigeration

Store the wrapped cake in an airtight container.

Place it on the top shelf of your refrigerator where the temperature is most stable.

Your Ina Garten Apple Cake can last up to a week when stored correctly in the fridge.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze your leftover cake.

Wrap the cake slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for extra protection.

Place the wrapped slices in a zip-top freezer bag.

Your cake can last up to three months in the freezer.

Avoiding Sunlight

Keep the cake out of direct sunlight even if it’s refrigerated.

Excess heat can cause the cake to spoil faster.

Storing it properly ensures you can enjoy every last bit of your delicious creation!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately

It’s crucial to measure ingredients accurately to achieve the perfect consistency for your apple cake.

Using too much or too little of any ingredient can significantly affect the texture and flavor.

I recommend using a kitchen scale for the most precise measurements.

Overmixing the Batter

Mixing the batter too much can result in a dense, tough cake.

Make sure to combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated.

Once the wet and dry ingredients are mixed, stop stirring to avoid overworking the batter.

Skipping the Soaking Step for Raisins

Raisins can become hard and chewy if not pre-soaked before being added to the cake.

Soaking them, especially in something flavorful like rum, can make all the difference.

Don’t skip this step if you want your raisins to be plump and juicy in the final cake.

ina garten apple cake

Ina Garten Apple Cake Recipe

If you love the aroma of freshly baked apples mingling with warm spices, Ina Garten's apple cake is a must-try!
I've made this cake several times, and it never disappoints.
Using Granny Smith apples gives it a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
One thing I love about this recipe is how moist it turns out, thanks to the addition of sour cream.
Be sure to toast your pecans before adding them; it enhances the flavor and adds a lovely crunch!
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 1 cup Butter room temperature
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 4 cups Apples peeled, cored, and sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
  • Gently fold in the apple slices.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
  • Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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