Imagine a dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of fresh apples, a tender cake-like base, and a crispy, buttery streusel topping that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Apple Buckle is not just a dessert; it's a slice of homemade happiness that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress your family or create a show-stopping dessert for a gathering, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that bridges the gap between a classic cake and a rustic fruit dessert.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for streusel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in 3 cups of peeled and sliced apples gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the apple batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- To make the streusel topping, in a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple batter in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the apple buckle from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet streusel.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
- Don't overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and tender.
- Even apple distribution: Gently fold apples into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- Streusel consistency: The streusel should look like coarse, pea-sized crumbs. Use cold butter and your fingers to create the perfect texture.
- Checking doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is crucial: Let the buckle rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make cutting easier.
- Serving suggestion: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this dessert from great to extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 95mg
