Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! Are you ready to dive into a dessert that’s as comforting as your favorite sweater? It’s time to introduce you to a wonderful creation: Sourdough Apple Cake. This delightful cake is a perfect fusion of the heartiness of sourdough and the sweetness of fresh apples, creating a treat that’s not only delicious but also cozy and satisfying. If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen trying to figure out what to do with that sourdough discard, well, today is your lucky day! Let’s bring our aprons and get baking together!
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder, “Why should I make Sourdough Apple Cake?” Well, let me share a few reasons that will make your kitchen feel like a warm embrace:
Sourdough Discard Magic: If you’re a sourdough baker like me, you know the struggle of having leftover discard. This recipe transforms that leftover sourdough into something magical, a cake that keeps well and tastes fantastic!
An Apple a Day: With two cups of diced apples folded into the batter, this cake is not just tasty but filled with the sweetness and flavor that only fresh apples can bring.
Baking Nirvana: There’s something therapeutic about mixing ingredients, folding them together, and watching your creation rise. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your heart sing.
Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples. You probably have sugar, flour, and butter on hand, making this cake a spontaneous delight!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a noteworthy dessert at a gathering, this Sourdough Apple Cake fits right into the spotlight.
How to Make Sourdough Apple Cake
Ready to roll up your sleeves and start baking? Here’s a simple guide to make your very own Sourdough Apple Cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough discard
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
Preheat The Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up, this is the magic zone for baking.
Prep The Pan: Grease a cake pan to prevent any sticky situations later on. You want your beautiful cake to come out easily!
Cream The Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where things start smelling divine!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds richness and depth to your cake.
Mix In The Sourdough: Add in the sourdough discard and mix until it’s mostly combined. Don’t overdo it; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be gentle; over-mixing can lead to a tougher texture.
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples. You want those apple chunks to be scattered throughout the batter.
Pour and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake: Put your cake in the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Cool: Once baked, allow your cake to cool a bit in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Sourdough Apple Cake
Your Sourdough Apple Cake is out of the oven and smelling amazing! So, how do you serve it?
Simple Enjoyment: It’s lovely on its own with a cup of tea or coffee. The flavors really shine without any fuss!
Fruity Toppings: Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant touch.
Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Top your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious contrast to the warmth of the cake.
Breakfast Treat: Don’t shy away from serving a slice for breakfast; it’s a sweet way to start your day!
How to Store Sourdough Apple Cake
Keeping your Sourdough Apple Cake fresh is easy!
Room Temperature: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist. It should last for 2-3 days.
Refrigeration: If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Want to enjoy it later? Wrap slices of the cake in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to Make Sourdough Apple Cake
Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and quality butter will make a big difference in flavor.
Don’t Skip the Apples: The apples add moisture and flavor to the cake. Choose your favorite variety, whether tart or sweet!
Mix with Love: Gently fold in your ingredients rather than mixing vigorously; this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Seasonal Spices: Feel free to swap out the cinnamon for nutmeg or add a pinch of ginger for a cozy twist.
Check for Doneness: Every oven is different. Check your cake around the 45-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Varieties of Sourdough Apple Cake
The beauty of baking is the ability to customize recipes! Here are some variations you might enjoy:
Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to give your cake a delightful crunch.
Dried Fruits: Incorporate some dried cranberries or raisins for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Spicy Hint: Mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired twist.
Zesty Lemon: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavors even more.
FAQs
Can I use different fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the apples for pears, berries, or even peaches depending on the season and your preference. Just adjust the quantities accordingly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
What should I do if my cake is too dry?
Make sure you’re measuring your flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to a dry cake. You can also add an extra tablespoon of sourdough discard to add moisture back into the batter.
I hope you find joy in making this Sourdough Apple Cake. It’s a delightful way to embrace your baking journey and enjoy some wholesome goodness. So preheat that oven and let’s create something sweet today!
Print
Sourdough Apple Cake
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines hearty sourdough with sweet fresh apples, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough discard
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add in the sourdough discard and mix until mostly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Best served with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, ice cream, or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg