Ingredients:

  • 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced (approximately 450g / 1 lb)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (5ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (2.5ml)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (30g)
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (5ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2.5ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25ml)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (30g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5ml)

Instructions:

  1. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set aside to macerate for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold the spiced apples into the batter.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
  9. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cake.
  10. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.