Tasmanian Apple Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 2 cups (250g) mixed tart and sweet apples, peeled, cored, and diced 2 cups (250g) mixed tart and sweet apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts (optional) ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. 6.
   Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using).
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Pink Lady for a balanced flavor and texture.
• Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Walnuts — Feel free to omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version or substitute them with pecans for a different flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
• Serve the cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• If you prefer a spicier cake, increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste.
• Make sure to dice the apples into small, even pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Tasmanian Apple Delight as a delicious dessert or enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegance. You can also garnish with a few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra visual appeal.