Easy Apple and Raisin Cake

### **How to Make Easy Apple and Raisin Cake**

This easy apple and raisin cake comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make it:

#### **1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a **9-inch round cake pan** or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick. Set it aside.

#### **2. Prepare the Apples and Raisins**
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. In a small bowl, toss the **raisins** with a tablespoon of flour from the recipe. This helps keep the raisins suspended in the batter and prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

#### **3. Mix the Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **cinnamon**, and **salt**. Set aside.

#### **4. Cream the Butter and Sugar**
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the **butter** and **sugar** until light and fluffy. This should take about **3-4 minutes**. Creaming the butter and sugar well will ensure a light, airy cake.

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

#### **6. Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the **milk**. Start by adding a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk, and continue alternating until everything is mixed together. Be careful not to overmix the batter; stop as soon as the ingredients are just combined.

#### **7. Fold in the Apples and Raisins**
Gently fold the chopped **apples** and **raisins** into the batter. Be sure to distribute them evenly, so every slice of cake has a bit of fruit and raisin in it.

#### **8. Bake the Cake**
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for **35-40 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown.

#### **9. Cool and Serve**
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about **10 minutes** before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust the top with powdered sugar, or serve it plain—either way, it’s delicious!

### **Tips for the Perfect Easy Apple and Raisin Cake**

– **Use Firm Apples**: Choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as **Granny Smith** or **Honeycrisp**. Softer apples like **Red Delicious** may break down too much during baking.
– **Add Walnuts or Pecans**: For extra crunch and flavor, try adding a handful of chopped **walnuts** or **pecans** to the batter. They pair perfectly with the apples and raisins.
– **Make it a Double Layer Cake**: If you want to make this cake a bit more indulgent, consider baking it in two round cake pans and layering the cakes with your favorite frosting or whipped cream.
– **Storage**: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **3 days**. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to **3 months**—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
– **Spice Variations**: If you enjoy different spices, try adding **nutmeg**, **allspice**, or a pinch of **cloves** for a more complex flavor profile.

### **Why This Cake is a Must-Try**

– **Quick and Simple**: This apple and raisin cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a delicious homemade cake ready in no time.
– **Deliciously Moist**: Thanks to the apples and raisins, the cake is naturally moist and tender, making each bite a treat.
– **Versatile**: Whether served as a snack with tea, a dessert after dinner, or as a gift for a friend, this cake fits the bill for any occasion.
– **Perfect for Fall**: With its comforting flavors of cinnamon, apple, and raisins, this cake is a great way to enjoy the tastes of fall, no matter the season.

### **Final Thoughts**

This **Easy Apple and Raisin Cake** is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of apples and spices in a moist, tender dessert. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a comforting dessert, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and bake up a batch of this delicious cake. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, spiced goodness—and a treat that’s both easy and satisfying!