Apple Rum Cake Recipe

Apple Rum Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

Baking apples (Honeycrisp or similar): 3 large (about 450 g)
Apple cider vinegar: 2 tsp (10 ml)
All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120 g)
Baking powder: 1 tsp (5 g)
Kosher salt: 1 tsp (5 g)
Unsalted butter, at room temperature: 1 stick (113 g)
White sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
Light brown sugar: 2 tbsp (25 g)
Large eggs: 2
Dark rum: 3 tbsp (45 ml)
Vanilla extract: ½ tsp (2.5 ml)
White sugar for topping: 3 tbsp (37 g)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): 1 tbsp (8 g)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into ¼ to ⅜-inch cubes. Toss the apple cubes with 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar in a large bowl and set aside.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1 tsp of kosher salt.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 stick of softened butter, ½ cup of white sugar, and 2 tbsp of light brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add eggs: Beat in 1 egg at a time, mixing on high speed until fully incorporated. Repeat with the second egg until the mixture is smooth.
Incorporate the liquid ingredients: Mix in 3 tbsp of dark rum and ½ tsp of vanilla extract.
Combine the flour mixture: Gradually add half of the flour mixture and mix until the flour disappears. Add the remaining flour and fold it into the batter with a spatula.
Fold in the apples: Gently fold the apple cubes into the batter until evenly distributed.
Transfer the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, ensuring it is pressed in firmly and the top is smooth.
Add the sugar topping: Sprinkle 3 tbsp of white sugar evenly over the top of the cake.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Invert the cake onto a wire rack, place a serving plate on top, and flip it back over.
Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Cooking Tips:
Choose firm baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, increase the rum to 4 tbsp.
For a crispier top, broil the cake for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Nutritional Benefits:
Apples: A great source of fiber and vitamins like vitamin C.
Rum: Adds flavor without adding excessive calories.
Moderate Sugar: A balance of sweetness without being overly indulgent.