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### Ingredients You’ll Need
For the **Cake**:
– **2 large apples**, peeled, cored, and diced (choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– **1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 teaspoon baking powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon**
– **1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg** (optional, for added warmth)
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 cup unsalted butter**, softened
– **3/4 cup granulated sugar**
– **2 large eggs**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1/2 cup whole milk** (or any milk of your choice)
For the **Cinnamon Sugar Topping**:
– **2 tablespoons granulated sugar**
– **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon**
### How to Make Pommé Cake
#### Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small cubes. You can use any apples you prefer, but firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. Set them aside while you prepare the cake batter.
#### Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan, or line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
#### Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.
#### Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
#### Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract.
#### Step 6: Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Milk
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start with the flour mixture, then add some milk, mixing just until combined. Repeat until all the ingredients are added and mixed in. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
#### Step 7: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula or spoon. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving the cake extra moisture and flavor.
#### Step 8: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Transfer the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
#### Step 9: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of the batter. This will create a beautiful, slightly crunchy layer on top of the cake as it bakes.
#### Step 10: Bake the Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should feel firm to the touch. If you notice the cake browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully cooked.
#### Step 11: Cool and Serve
Allow the Pommé Cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it into squares or wedges and serve. If desired, dust the cake with a little powdered sugar or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
### Tips for the Perfect Pommé Cake
– **Choose the Right Apples**: A combination of tart and sweet apples works best in this cake. You want apples that won’t turn mushy when baked. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are all great choices.
– **Don’t Overmix**: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until everything is combined.
– **Serve Warm**: For an extra comforting experience, serve this cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
– **Storage**: Store any leftover Pommé Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
### Variations to Try
– **Add Nuts**: For a little crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. These will complement the apples beautifully and add extra flavor.
– **Glaze It**: For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of the cake once it has cooled.
– **Make it Vegan**: To make this cake vegan, you can substitute the butter with plant-based butter, use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and swap the eggs for a flax egg or applesauce.
### Conclusion: A Slice of Comfort in Every Bite
Pommé Cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon. With its moist texture, comforting flavors, and easy-to-follow instructions, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
So, preheat your oven, grab your apples, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort with every bite of **Pommé Cake**!
