Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
– Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
Equipment Needed
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Rubber spatula
– 9-inch round cake pan
– Parchment paper (optional)
– Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. The warm smell of these spices whisks me away to a cozy bakery. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. It’s always a joy for me to see the mixture turning pale and fluffy — it really makes a difference in the cake’s texture! Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each thoroughly before adding the vanilla extract. (See the next page below to continue steps…)