Apple Cake

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour or 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour plus ½ cup (65g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup packed (230g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (245g) buttermilk
• ½ cup (105g) vegetable oil
• (2 tablespoons rum or brandy)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup diced cored apples
• ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
• Hide ingredients for Quick Vanilla Butter Frosting or Quick Butterscotch (Penuche) Icing 1 Quick Vanilla Butter Frosting or Quick Butterscotch (Penuche) Icing (opens in new tab) Quick Vanilla Butter Frosting or Quick Butterscotch (Penuche) Icing
  • 4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons milk, dry sherry, rum, or coffee
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla or vanilla bean paste
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  Sub-recipe steps

  1. Combine in a medium bowl and beat together on medium speed: 4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar, sifted; 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  2. Add and beat until smooth, starting with the smaller amount of liquid: 4 to 6 tablespoons milk, dry sherry, rum, or coffee; 2 teaspoons vanilla or vanilla bean paste; ¼ teaspoon salt
  3. If the frosting seems too thick, add more liquid a few drops at a time to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it seems too thin, allow the frosting to sit for 15 minutes. These frostings tend to thicken on their own over time. If it is still too thin, add more powdered sugar. To store, cover the surface of the icing with plastic wrap. This keeps for up to 3 days at room temperature or for up to 3 weeks refrigerated. Soften and stir or beat until smooth before using.