This Apple Rum Cake is a delightful dessert featuring tender apples and a hint of dark rum. Perfect for any occasion, it combines the sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of rum in a moist, buttery cake. With chunks of sweet apples nestled in a tender and buttery rum cake, this French apple cake is the essence of simplicity.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling over cake
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons dark rum
- 2 baking apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch cubes (3½ – 4 cups chopped)
- Confectioners’ sugar (optional), for decorating cake
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch springform or regular cake pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. If using a regular cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease again.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld mixer with beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and rum. The batter may look grainy at this point, which is normal.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the chopped apples.
- Prepare for Baking: Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
- Bake: Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a rack in the pan.
- Cool and Serve: Once cool, run a blunt knife around the edges of the cake. If using a springform pan, remove the sides. If using a regular cake pan, carefully invert the cake onto the rack, remove the parchment paper, then gently flip the cake over and place right-side-up on a platter. Using a fine sieve, dust with confectioners’ sugar (if using).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature.
- Enjoy it plain or with lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for proper creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples provide dietary fiber and vitamin C.
- Using unsalted butter helps control sodium intake.
Storage Tips
- Freezer Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or freezer wrap. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Rum Cake is easy to make and delivers a deliciously moist texture with a burst of apple flavor. The addition of rum adds a unique depth, making it a standout dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
Conclusion
Enjoy this delightful Apple Rum Cake as a sweet treat for any event or just to satisfy your craving for something special. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.