1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
For Garnish (optional):
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Fresh strawberries or apple slices, for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Purée
Blend the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
Strain the Purée: For a smoother sauce, strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Set aside the purée to drizzle over the cake later.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Cake
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. Toss them in 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the Batter: Pour the apple cinnamon batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Drizzle with Strawberry Purée: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the homemade strawberry puréegenerously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
Optional Garnish: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, and decorate with fresh strawberries or apple slices if desired.
Why This Cake is Irresistible
A Blend of Seasons: The cozy cinnamon apple flavors remind you of autumn, while the fresh, tangy strawberry purée brings in a burst of summer, making this cake perfect for any time of year.
Texture Delight: The softness of the cake is complemented by the slight crunch from the diced apples, creating a lovely contrast in every bite.
Simple Elegance: With minimal decoration needed, the natural beauty of the strawberry purée cascading over the golden-brown cake makes it a stunning centerpiece.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fruit! Try a blueberry purée or even a caramel drizzle for a different flavor twist.
Tips for the Best Cake
Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they balance the sweetness of the cake.
Strain the Strawberry Purée: For a smoother, more elegant finish, strain the strawberry purée to remove the seeds.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Cake with Strawberry Purée is a delightful way to enjoy the best of both fruity and spicy flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a light dessert or an indulgent snack with tea, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The homemade strawberry purée adds a fresh, sweet element that pairs perfectly with the warm spices and soft apples, ensuring that each slice is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Enjoy a slice of this sweet, seasonal masterpiece and share the recipe with friends—they’ll thank you for it!
