Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
- 1 tsp (5g) baking powder
- 2 tsp (10g) ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp (2g) ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
- 3 cups (450g) peeled and diced apples
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- Peel and dice apples into small, uniform cubes. In a small bowl, toss the apple chunks with 2 tablespoons of flour until evenly coated; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar for 3-5 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the floured apples using a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center springs back when pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting.