Welsh Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with warm spices and a buttery crumbly topping. This traditional Welsh recipe has deep roots in the country's culinary heritage, showcasing the use of locally sourced ingredients like apples and incorporating flavors that reflect the cozy comfort of Welsh kitchens.

Historically, apple cakes have been a part of Welsh baking traditions for generations, often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a comforting treat on chilly days. The cake's evolution is tied to the abundance of apples in Wales, making it a practical yet delicious way to celebrate seasonal produce.

The recipe typically involves layering slices of fresh apples between a spiced cake batter, then topping it with a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter before baking to golden perfection. The result is a moist, flavorful cake with a satisfyingly crunchy top, perfect for serving with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Welsh Apple Cake not only delights the taste buds but also embodies a connection to Welsh culinary traditions, making it a cherished dessert that continues to be enjoyed and shared across generations.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup buttermilk

- 2 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn)

Crumb Topping:

- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

5. Fold in the sliced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

7. To make the crumb topping, combine the flour, sugar, and cold diced butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.

8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

This recipe provides a straightforward approach to making a delicious Welsh Apple Cake with clear instructions for each step.

Nutrition Value:

1. All-Purpose Flour:

  - Calories: Approximately 455 calories per cup.

  - Carbohydrates: About 95 grams.

  - Protein: Around 12 grams.

  - Fat: Less than 2 grams.

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, typically low.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins and iron.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein.

2. Granulated Sugar:

  - Calories: About 774 calories per cup.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 200 grams.

  - Protein: None.

  - Fat: None.

  - Sodium: None.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: None.

  - Minerals: None.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and energy from carbohydrates but lacks significant nutritional value.

3. Baking Powder:

  - Calories: Negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: Negligible.

  - Fat: Negligible.

  - Sodium: Varies by brand, typically around 500-600 mg per teaspoon.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: None.

  - Minerals: None.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Helps the cake rise by producing carbon dioxide when mixed with liquid and heat.

4. Baking Soda:

  - Calories: Negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: Negligible.

  - Fat: Negligible.

  - Sodium: About 1000 mg per teaspoon.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: None.

  - Minerals: None.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise when combined with acidic ingredients.

5. Ground Cinnamon:

  - Calories: Negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: Negligible.

  - Fat: Negligible.

  - Sodium: Negligible.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K and calcium.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and magnesium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and a small amount of vitamins and minerals.

6. Ground Nutmeg:

  - Calories: Negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: Negligible.

  - Fat: Negligible.

  - Sodium: Negligible.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin E, B vitamins, and vitamin C.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and provides trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

7. Salt:

  - Calories: Negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: Negligible.

  - Fat: Negligible.

  - Sodium: About 2300 mg per teaspoon.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: None.

  - Minerals: Provides essential sodium for electrolyte balance.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in baked goods.

8. Unsalted Butter:

  - Calories: Approximately 1628 calories per cup.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: Negligible.

  - Fat: About 184 grams.

  - Sodium: Trace amounts if unsalted.

  - Cholesterol: About 488 mg per cup.

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin E and K.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and flavor, contains essential fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

9. Large Eggs (2 eggs):

  - Calories: About 140 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram.

  - Protein: Approximately 12 grams.

  - Fat: About 10 grams.

  - Sodium: About 140 mg.

  - Cholesterol: About 370 mg.

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and B vitamins (especially B12).

  - Minerals: Contains iron, phosphorus, and selenium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

10. Vanilla Extract:

  - Calories: Negligible.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: Negligible.

  - Fat: Negligible.

  - Sodium: Negligible.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: None.

  - Minerals: None.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor without significant nutritional content.

11. Buttermilk:

  - Calories: Approximately 99 calories per cup.

  - Carbohydrates: About 12 grams.

  - Protein: About 8 grams.

  - Fat: About 2 grams.

  - Sodium: About 98 mg.

  - Cholesterol: About 12 mg.

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, and B vitamins (especially riboflavin and B12).

  - Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds moisture, acidity, and a creamy texture to baked goods.

12. Apples (2 cups peeled and sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 230 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: About 60 grams.

  - Protein: About 1 gram.

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram.

  - Sodium: Negligible.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin C, also contains vitamin A and small amounts of B vitamins.

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: High in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, supports digestive health and immune function.

Crumb Topping:

1. All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 114 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: About 24 grams.

  - Protein: About 3 grams.

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram.

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, typically low.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins and iron.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein.

2. Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: About 194 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 50 grams.

  - Protein: None.

  - Fat: None.

  - Sodium: None.

  - Cholesterol: None.

  - Vitamins: None.

  - Minerals: None.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and energy from carbohydrates but lacks significant nutritional value.

3. Cold Unsalted Butter, Diced (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 407 calories.

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible.

  - Protein: About 1 gram.

  - Fat: About 45 grams.

  - Sodium: Trace amounts if unsalted.

  - Cholesterol: About 122 mg.

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin E and K.

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and flavor, contains essential fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

These measurements are based on standard nutritional data and may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.