Unbeatable 10-Minute Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding: The Easiest, Most Irresistible Dessert Ever!

Step 2: Make the Apple Cake Batter

3. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Set them aside.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
6. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
7. Combine the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined – do not overmix.
8. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
9. Optional – Add Brown Sugar: For an extra caramelized flavor, sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar over the apple mixture before pouring it into the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

10. Mix the Pudding: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla instant pudding mix. Whisk until smooth and the pudding mix is fully dissolved. Heat over medium heat while continuously stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 3-4 minutes).
11. Add Butter (Optional): If you want an even creamier texture, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pudding and stir until it melts completely.
12. Remove from Heat: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Cake

13. Layer the Cake and Pudding: Pour the apple cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Then, pour the vanilla pudding evenly over the top of the cake batter. The pudding will sink into the batter as it bakes, creating a moist and creamy layer in the cake.
14. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pudding layer will thicken and blend into the cake, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

15. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also serve it with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
16. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into generous portions and serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment Needed:

• 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch square baking dish
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Medium mixing bowls
• Medium saucepan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Recipe Variations:

• Apple Cinnamon Swirl Cake: Add a cinnamon sugar swirl to the batter for extra flavor. Simply sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar between the layers of cake before baking.
• Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the cake before baking to create a rich, sweet contrast to the apple and vanilla pudding.
• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Make sure the vanilla pudding mix is also gluten-free.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes), use non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut milk), and replace the butter with coconut oil or margarine.
• Nutty Apple Cake: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving.

Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries for a delicious twist on this cake.

Q: My pudding didn’t set properly, what went wrong?
A: If your pudding didn’t set, it may not have cooked long enough. Be sure to stir continuously and heat it until it thickens and starts bubbling. Instant pudding typically sets quickly, but it may need more time over the heat to reach the right consistency.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes! This cake freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight or reheat in the microwave.

Notes:

• Serving Tip: This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a luxurious touch.
• Texture Tip: The cake will have a slight pudding-like texture on the bottom, making it incredibly moist. Be sure not to overmix the batter to maintain that perfect, soft texture.
• Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples are a great option for baking due to their tartness, but you can use any apple variety you prefer. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala will work just as well.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving):

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 32g
• Protein: 3g

Conclusion:

The Unbeatable Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a quick and easy treat without sacrificing flavor or richness. With minimal prep and only 10 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a moist, flavorful cake that will delight everyone at the table. The combination of fresh apples, creamy vanilla pudding, and a soft cake base is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just in the mood for something comforting, this cake will surely become your go-to recipe. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this unbeatable apple cake—it’s sure to be a hit every time!