Fall is my favorite season. I love the crisp air, the beauty of the changing leaves, and the return of cozy sweaters. For me, the first day of fall isn’t marked by the calendar, but by Starbucks announcing the launch of its pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin-flavored iced coffees. That’s when I know it’s time to start baking comforting desserts and heartwarming dishes. Nothing says fall like having something delicious baking in the oven and then enjoying it with a cup of coffee or tea under a cozy blanket. This is why I’m excited to share my recipe for apple tea cake this month, so you too can enjoy that wonderful feeling.
This cake isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about embracing the season. With simple ingredients and a one-bowl method, it’s easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. The star of the show is the apple — a fruit that’s in its prime during fall. Apples add a natural sweetness and a unique texture that balances the cake beautifully.
Baking this cake is a great way to take advantage of fresh, local apples. Whether you’ve picked them yourself at Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin or bought some from Skolfield Farm on Harpswell Neck Road, using fresh apples makes all the difference. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for this recipe; their slightly tart flavor adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
There’s nothing too fancy about this dessert — just wholesome ingredients that come together to create something special. As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the comforting aroma of apples and fall spices. This cake is also perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting friends for an afternoon tea or bringing a dish to a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home, comforting and familiar.
As the days get shorter and you find yourself spending more time indoors, often in the kitchen, take a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Baking an apple tea cake is more than just making dessert; it’s a way to savor the flavors of fall and create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home. So pour yourself a warm drink, cut a slice of cake, and take a moment to appreciate everything that makes October so special.
Apple tea cake
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Splash vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- Optional topping: 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil an 8-inch round cake tin and line with parchment paper. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream together butter, sugar and vanilla and whisk until pale and creamy. Add in one egg at a time until well combined. Add in the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. Gently mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples. Add mixture into prepared cake tin, smooth out surface and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden. Serve warm or cooled with tea or coffee.
