Apple Rum Cake

Apple Rum Cake

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:

1. 1. 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.
   2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
      • • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

   3. 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.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. Combine Ingredients:
      • Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the chopped apples.
   2. Prepare for Baking:
      • • Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
      • Sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
   3. 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.
   4. 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.