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## **Instructions:**
### 1. **Prepare the Apples:**
– Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into small bite-sized pieces. Set them aside. You can use **Granny Smith apples** for their tartness or **Honeycrisp apples** for a balance of sweet and tart.
### 2. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
### 3. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the **all-purpose flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **ground cinnamon**, and **salt**. Set the dry ingredients aside.
### 4. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the **unsalted butter** and **granulated sugar** together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key to getting a light, airy texture in the cake.
### 5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:**
– Add the **eggs**, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla extract**.
### 6. **Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients:**
– Begin by adding the **flour mixture** to the wet ingredients, alternating with the **sour cream** and **milk**. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
### 7. **Fold in the Apples:**
– Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
### 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 **45-50 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.
### 9. **Cool and Serve:**
– Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkle of **powdered sugar** for a beautiful finishing touch.
### 10. **Enjoy!**
– Slice and serve! This cake is perfect on its own or with a dollop of **whipped cream** or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** for extra indulgence.
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## **Why This Cake is Special:**
– **A Perfect Fall Dessert:** The **apple** flavor shines through, making this cake ideal for fall gatherings, apple picking adventures, or as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening.
– **Light Yet Rich:** Thanks to the sour cream, this cake is rich and moist without being heavy. It’s the perfect balance of a light texture with a deep, satisfying flavor.
– **Great for Sharing:** The generous amount of apples in the cake makes it a hearty dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings, holidays, or weekend get-togethers.
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## **Tips for Perfecting Your Italian Apple Cake:**
– **Use Tart Apples:** Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, like **Granny Smith** or **Jonathan apples**. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake, giving it more depth of flavor.
– **Add Walnuts or Raisins:** For added texture and flavor, consider folding in a handful of **chopped walnuts** or **raisins**. These ingredients complement the apple’s sweetness beautifully.
– **Don’t Overmix:** Be sure not to overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour mixture. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense, so just mix until everything is combined.
– **Storage:** This cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for an even longer shelf life.
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## **Serving Suggestions:**
– **With a Side of Whipped Cream:** Top your cake with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** for a rich and indulgent treat.
– **Pair with Coffee or Tea:** This cake makes an excellent pairing with a warm cup of **coffee**, **tea**, or **cider**. It’s a perfect breakfast or snack to enjoy with your favorite hot beverage.
– **Serve with Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle some **caramel sauce** over the slices for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
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## **Conclusion:**
The **Italian Apple Cake with Sour Cream** is a beautifully moist, flavorful dessert that’s both simple and elegant. With its tender texture, balanced sweetness, and fruity apple filling, it’s sure to become a beloved dessert in your recipe collection. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy weekend treat or sharing it with friends and family, this cake is the perfect choice for any occasion. Whip it up and let the comforting aroma of baked apples fill your home – your taste buds will thank you!
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