Apple strudel cake

Apple Strudel Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of traditional apple strudel with the convenience and texture of a cake. It typically features a spiced apple filling wrapped in a tender cake. Here’s a recipe to create this comforting and delicious cake:

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup milk

For the Streusel Topping:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

For Garnish (optional):

• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:

   • Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
   • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
   • Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

   • Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble the Cake:

   • Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Spoon the apple filling over the batter, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it gently over the apples.
   • Add Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.

5. Bake the Cake:

   • Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Decorate: Before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
   • Serve: Slice and serve the Apple Strudel Cake. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

This Apple Strudel Cake combines the comforting flavors of apple strudel with the ease of a cake, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the warm, spiced apples and buttery streusel topping!