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In less than a week many of us will be deep into the Christmas season. Decorations will adorn our homes, presents will be wrapped and placed under the tree, and kitchens will come to life with recipes that have been tucked away for the last year. I usually over do it and give away huge amounts of fudge, sugared almonds and toffee. People come to expect that I will deliver their annual treats. And you know I don’t mind. If someone likes my baking then I am happy to share it with them.
Sometimes I like to share a small home baked goodie with someone special. That’s why I love these paper cake baking pans. You can bake, serve, gift and store your special cakes in a completely disposable paper cake pan. I found these in my local grocery store but if you haven’t seen them, check their website at Welcome Home Brands.
This apple cake is more apple than it is cake. That balance creates a super moist, dense, flavorful cake that does not require refrigeration. And that makes it perfect to share!
What could be easier than whisking a few ingredients together? No mixer required.
Fold in four chopped apples and bake!
The paper baking pans are perforated for easy removal.
Sprinkle with a little confectioners sugar just before serving.
See all those perfectly cooked chunks of apple? Yum!
If you want to take it up a notch, serve the apple cake with a scoop of Cinnamon Gelato.
Then if you really want to take it to the top, mix up a little apple cider glaze to drizzle on top. My husband said it was fantastic. He loved the way the apples took center stage but the flavors all melded together complimenting one another. I didn’t really understand what he was saying until he stopped moaning. Needless to say he savored every bite.
A little more apple cider glaze won’t hurt!
Fresh mini Apple Cake served with Cinnamon Gelato and an Apple Cider Glaze |
Fresh Mini Apple Cakes and Apple Cider Glaze
Yield: 3 mini cakes
Course: Dessert
A super moist, dense, flavorful apple cake that does not require refrigeration. With an apple cider glaze to drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Cakes:
- ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 4 large apples all different varieties
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons spiced rum
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
For the Cakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 3 mini cake pans on a baking sheets. Set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
- Peel the apples, cut them in half to remove the core and slice into 1 to 2 inch chunks.
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk the eggs until foamy. Add the sugar and whisk until blended. Add the rum and vanilla and whisk to combine. Add half the flour and once blended, add half the melted butter. Repeat by adding the remaining flour gently whisking until combined, then add the remaining melted butter. Do not beat but gently fold in the apples with a rubber spatula. Divide the batter between the three baking pans. Using a table knife, poke the batter to help distribute the apples evenly.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes to a cooling rack and gently run a blunt knife around the outside edge to loosen the sides. Cool completely in the paper baking pans.
- Store at room temperature, May be served slightly warm. Apple cake may also be baked in a 8" greased spring form pan.
For the Glaze:
- Add the apple cider to a medium saucepan. Heat on high until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle boil. Cook for 20 minutes or until the cider is reduced in half. Remove from the heat and add the cinnamon, vanilla and butter. Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. When ready to serve, drizzle over fresh apple cakes or ice cream.
Recipe Notes
- Fresh Mini Apple Cakes recipe adapted from Marie-Helene as written by Dorie Greenspan.
- Apple Cider Glaze recipe adapted from Simply Recipes.
Nutrition
Calories: 932kcal | Carbohydrates: 137g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 199mg | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 431mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 103g | Vitamin A: 1342IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 3mg
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I truly hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. May your turkey be moist, your dishes all outstanding and your desserts to die for! I am so thankful you took a few minutes to stop by and visit. Blessings to you and yours!
Tricia
Wendy
We always have an apple dessert for Thanksgiving because apples are my husband's favorite, but with all of the other cooking/baking going on, the apple dessert is usually something super easy like an apple crumble/betty. When I saw these apple-y cakes I knew we had to try them. They were a huge hit! I am afraid there will be no going back to apple crumble next year! 🙂 Thanks, Tricia! (and an
Kari Lindsay
I love that these cakes are chocked full of apples, I feel less guilty eating a dessert that's mostly fruit! Loving those little paper liners.
Anna and Liz Recipes
Ahhhh what a perfect dessert for the holidays. Thanks Tricia! We love the individual mini sizes too!<br />Thanks for the recipe. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Hugs and kisses, Anna and Liz
Anna and Liz Recipes
AHHHh what a fabulous dessert for the holidays! Not to mention, perfect portion sizes. Love it Tricia!<br />Have a wonderful Thanksgiving., hugs and kisses, xxoo Anna and Liz
Sue/the view from great island
What a perfect dessert, these are adorable!
Abbe@This is How I Cook
Oh Tricia. These are gorgeous! I would be very happy is someone gifted them to me! Love those those little paper liners, too! Please have a great Thanksgiving with your wonderful family!
ela@GrayApron
Beautiful little shapes! Perfection!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen
Theses look so delicious, especially with all of the 'extras'!
Angie Schneider
They look divine, esp. when drizzled with apple cider glaze, Tricia. Love the apple-ring shape 🙂
Linda
These are so adorable! I love the idea of gifting sweets to friends! I don't think anyone turns down a homemade gift of love! The drizzle of caramel definitely puts it over the top!
Chris Scheuer
So fun, pretty and delicious looking Tricia. Apple desserts get me every time and when you add caramel I'm just over the moon! I love that shot with the caramel pouring!
Daniela Grimburg
What a cute give away , these little apple cakes do not only look fantastic, I'm sure they taste even better!<br />Great idea, thanks for sharing.
Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow
Those are the cutest little cakes I've ever seen. I love those mini cake pans, too. I know all of your regular "receivers" are looking forward to their Christmas treats!! Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving, Tricia!! blessings and hugs ~ tanna