Mini Apple Cake

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking. This recipe should yield about 12-14 mini apple cakes, depending on the size of your muffin tin.

#### 2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set the bowl aside for later.

#### 3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

#### 4. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla:**
– Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

#### 5. **Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

#### 6. **Fold in the Apples and Nuts:**
– Gently fold the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter. The apples add moisture and a burst of flavor to each mini cake, while the nuts provide a delightful crunch.

#### 7. **Fill the Muffin Tin:**
– Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. If you have extra batter, you can bake it in a second batch or make a few larger-sized mini cakes.

#### 8. **Bake the Cakes:**
– Bake the mini apple cakes for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-baking.
– Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 9. **Make the Glaze (Optional):**
– While the mini apple cakes are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

– Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cakes for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can skip the glaze and enjoy the cakes as they are!

#### 10. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the glaze has set (if using), the mini apple cakes are ready to serve! These little treats are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.

### **Tips:**
– **Apple Variety:** You can use any type of apple for this recipe. Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith work well, but sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala can add an extra layer of sweetness.
– **Add-ins:** Feel free to customize these mini apple cakes with add-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or even a bit of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
– **Make Ahead:** These mini apple cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick snack.

### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
– **Perfectly Portion-Sized:** These mini cakes are the ideal portion size for snacking, packing in lunchboxes, or serving as a fun dessert at a gathering. Plus, they’re easy to eat without making a mess!
– **Deliciously Moist:** The combination of apples and buttermilk makes these cakes incredibly moist and tender, while the cinnamon-spiced flavor brings all the cozy vibes.
– **Customizable:** You can easily tailor this recipe to your tastes by adding your favorite mix-ins, whether that’s nuts, dried fruit, or a touch of caramel sauce.
– **Simple to Make:** With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, these mini apple cakes come together quickly. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow.

### **Conclusion:**
These **Mini Apple Cakes** are a delightful, bite-sized treat that brings all the comfort and warmth of apple cake in a portable, easy-to-enjoy form. With their tender texture, fragrant spices, and chunks of fresh apples, they make for a perfect dessert or snack any time of year. Whether you’re celebrating the fall season or simply craving a sweet and comforting treat, these mini apple cakes will definitely hit the spot. Try them today and watch them become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!