Apple cakes are a timeless treat that combines the sweet, crisp flavor of apples with the comforting texture of cake. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, there's an apple cake recipe out there for you. In this article, we'll explore some of the best apple cake recipes from Better Homes & Gardens, including apple dump cake, apple coffee cake, apple bundt cake, and more.

Apple Dump Cake: A Simple and Delicious Delight

Apple dump cake is one of the easiest and most delicious apple cake recipes you'll ever make. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. To make apple dump cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, in a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer a can of apple pie filling and a box of yellow cake mix. Pour melted butter over the top and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. You can serve apple dump cake warm or cold, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Apple Coffee Cake: The Perfect Breakfast or Snack

Apple coffee cake is a classic breakfast or snack that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweet flavor of apples with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon and brown sugar. To make apple coffee cake, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, in a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped apples and pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Sprinkle the topping over the batter and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving.

Apple Bundt Cake: A Showstopping Dessert

Apple bundt cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that's perfect for special occasions. This recipe combines the sweet flavor of apples with the rich, buttery flavor of a bundt cake. To make apple bundt cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, in a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped apples and pour the batter into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a glaze for added flavor.

Other Apple Cake Recipes to Try

In addition to apple dump cake, apple coffee cake, and apple bundt cake, there are many other apple cake recipes to try. Some popular options include apple streusel cake, apple upside-down cake, and apple spice cake. Each of these recipes has its own unique flavor and texture, so you're sure to find one that you love. You can also experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, to add your own personal touch to the recipe.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Apple Cake

To ensure that your apple cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the right apples: Different types of apples have different flavors and textures, so choose the ones that are best suited for your recipe. For example, Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, making them perfect for apple pies and cakes. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy, making them a great choice for apple desserts.
• Peel and core the apples: Before adding the apples to your cake batter, be sure to peel and core them. This will help to ensure that the apples cook evenly and that the cake has a smooth texture.
• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to be tough and dry. Instead, stir the batter until just combined, and then fold in the apples.
• Use a greased and floured pan: To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, be sure to grease and flour it before pouring in the batter. You can also use a non-stick cooking spray for added convenience.
• Let the cake cool completely: Before serving the cake, let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will help to ensure that the cake holds its shape and that the flavors have a chance to meld together.

In conclusion, apple cakes are a delicious and versatile dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a simple and easy recipe or a showstopping dessert, there's an apple cake recipe out there for you. So, the next time you're in the mood for something sweet, try one of these delicious apple cake recipes from Better Homes & Gardens.