Apple Cinnamon Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, 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.
5. Add the Applesauce: Mix in the applesauce until fully combined.
6. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped apple and nuts, if using.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
8. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions:

Customization Ideas:

• Caramel Version: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake for extra sweetness.
• Streusel Topping: Add a streusel topping by combining flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter for a crumble effect.
• Apple Pie Spice: Substitute apple pie spice for the cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra boost of flavor.