Best Ever Baked Apple Cake

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

#### Step 2: Make the Dry Ingredients
1. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
1. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You can use an electric mixer or a hand whisk for this step.

2. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

#### Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
1. **Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender cake.

#### Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts
1. **Add the Apples and Nuts**: Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.

#### Step 6: Bake the Cake
1. **Transfer the Batter to the Pan**: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

2. **Bake**: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.

3. **Cool**: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cake has cooled, slice it and serve it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of spiced apples and the soft, buttery cake is perfect for any dessert table.

### Tips for Making the Best Baked Apple Cake

– **Choose the Right Apples**: For the best flavor, choose apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. A balance of tart and sweet apples works well in this cake.

– **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until everything is combined.

– **Use Sour Cream for Moisture**: Sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, making it incredibly tender. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be substituted with similar results.

– **Add a Cinnamon Sugar Topping**: For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the batter before baking for a sweet, spiced crust.

– **Make It Ahead**: This apple cake actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day or two, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for longer storage.

– **Glaze It**: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes the cake look even more festive.

### Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake
This baked apple cake is everything you want in a fall dessert: comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and a soft, buttery cake creates a dessert that’s satisfying without being overly rich. Whether served for an afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to a holiday meal, it’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

### Conclusion
The best-ever baked apple cake is the perfect way to showcase the flavors of fresh apples while creating a dessert that’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor. With its soft texture, aromatic spices, and bursts of apple goodness, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Give it a try the next time you have some apples on hand, and enjoy a slice of fall in every bite.