Brown Sugar Apple Vanilla Snack Cake

Brown Sugar Apple Vanilla Snack Cake

A moist, tender snack cake flavored with brown sugar, fresh apples, and vanilla. This cake is simple to make, requires no frosting, and works well as a dessert, afternoon snack, or breakfast treat.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

Optional Brown Sugar Topping

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment

• 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl:

1. Beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk.
2. Mix just until combined.
3. Fold in the diced apples.

5. Add Topping (Optional)

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Mix the topping ingredients together and sprinkle over the batter.

6. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Brown Sugar Vanilla Glaze (Optional)

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm water

Method

1. Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Storage

• Room temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months, tightly wrapped.

Yield

• 9 large squares or 12 smaller servings.

Tips for Best Results

• Use firm baking apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
• For extra texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• A pinch of nutmeg can enhance the apple flavor.
• Serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.