Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Fold in the dry ingredients alternately with sour cream until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped apples and toasted hazelnuts.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
For the glaze, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring the glaze mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Remove the glaze from the heat and stir in vanilla.
Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cooled cake before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store this Apple Hazelnut Cake to keep it fresh?
Once completely cooled, store the Apple Hazelnut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have applied the Brown Sugar Glaze, room temperature storage is best to maintain the glaze's texture. For longer storage, it can be tightly wrapped and refrigerated for up to a week.
Can I substitute the hazelnuts in this cake recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the hazelnuts with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, which pair beautifully with apple and cinnamon. Ensure the substitute nuts are toasted lightly before folding them into the batter for the best flavor, following the standard mixing method outlined in the recipe.
What is the best way to ensure a moist Apple Hazelnut Cake?
To ensure a moist cake, make sure your butter and sugars are properly creamed until light and fluffy before adding the dry ingredients. Also, avoid overmixing the batter once the flour mixture is incorporated, as this develops too much gluten and results in a drier texture.
