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. The chunks of apples nestled in a tender and buttery cake create a simple yet indulgent treat!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
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, room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch springform or regular cake pan with butter or nonstick spray. If using a regular cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease it again.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add vanilla extract and dark rum. The batter may look slightly curdled, which is normal.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples using a rubber spatula.
- Prepare for Baking: Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a rack. Once cool, loosen the edges with a knife and remove from the pan. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for proper creaming with sugar.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake light and airy.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Apples: Provide dietary fiber and vitamin C, promoting digestive health.
- Using Unsalted Butter: Allows for better control over the sodium content.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Dietary Information:
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: Straightforward ingredients and simple preparation make it a great go-to dessert.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of rum and apples ensures a deliciously moist and flavorful cake.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence.
Conclusion:
This Apple Rum Cake is an excellent choice for a cozy treat or special occasion. With its tender apple chunks and subtle rum flavor, it’s a cake that’s easy to love. Whether served with whipped cream or enjoyed on its own, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert collection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of apples? Yes, firm and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best.
- Can I substitute the rum with something else? Yes, apple juice or apple cider can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative.
- How do I ensure the cake is not too dense? Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added to maintain a light texture.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- How should I store the cake? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Can I add nuts to this cake? Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
- What type of rum works best? Dark rum is recommended for its rich flavor, but you can use any rum available.
- Can I make this cake in advance? Absolutely! You can make it a day ahead and store at room temperature or refrigerate.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan? Grease the pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
- What can I serve with this cake? Lightly sweetened whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar are great accompaniments.