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Cozy Small Batch Irish Apple Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Centers Made Easy

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A comforting small batch Irish apple cake featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples and luscious cream cheese pockets, perfect for cozy occasions and quick baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tsp lemon juice as substitute)
  • 1 large tart apple (Granny Smith or Bramley), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch (20cm) cake pan and dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
  2. Toss diced apples with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add a teaspoon of milk if too stiff.
  4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
  5. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  6. Beat in the egg, then alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Fold gently until combined.
  7. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  8. Spoon dollops (about 1 tablespoon each) of cream cheese filling over the batter.
  9. Scatter the spiced apple mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  10. Top with remaining batter, spreading gently to cover apples and cheese.
  11. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center (not in cream cheese pockets) comes out clean.
  12. Cool in the pan on a rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

[‘Use softened butter and cream cheese for best texture.’, ‘Fold batter gently to avoid toughness.’, ‘Tart apples like Granny Smith or Bramley hold shape better.’, ‘Check doneness starting at 35 minutes with toothpick test.’, ‘If cream cheese bubbles up too much, press gently after cooling.’, ‘Can substitute almond flour for gluten-free version.’, ‘Dairy-free options include coconut yogurt and vegan cream cheese.’, ‘Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for variation.’, ‘Cake can be assembled ahead and baked next day.’, ‘Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish apple cake, cream cheese centers, small batch apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, easy apple dessert, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cozy-small-batch-irish-apple-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-centers-made-easy/