Mini Apple Cake 🍏🍰 – Tiny Bites of Autumn Goodness

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep!
• Perfect Portion : Mini size means you can enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging.
• Seasonal Flavors : Cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples make it a fall favorite.
• Customizable : Add nuts, oats, or even a caramel drizzle!

Ingredients (Makes 24 Mini Cakes)

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg , lightly beaten
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 medium apple , peeled and finely grated (about 1 cup)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping (Optional):

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup rolled oats
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cold butter , cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Tins

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

Step 2: Make the Streusel (Optional)

1. In a bowl, mix flour , brown sugar , oats , and cinnamon .
2. Rub in cold butter with your fingers until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour , baking powder , cinnamon , nutmeg , and salt .
2. Add melted butter , sugar , egg , and vanilla extract . Mix until combined.
3. Stir in grated apple and milk until smooth.

Step 4: Fill the Muffin Tins

1. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups (about 1–2 tbsp per cup ).
2. Sprinkle streusel over each mini cake (if using).

Step 5: Bake & Cool

1. Bake for 15–18 minutes , until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Warm or room temperature : Great with a pat of butter or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
• Storage : Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for later.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Cakes

• Apple Choice : Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for balance, or a sweet Honeycrisp for extra flavor.
• No Streusel? : Skip it or substitute with a sprinkle of granulated sugar.
• Fluffy Texture : Don’t overmix the batter—stop once ingredients are just combined.
• Speed Hack : Grate the apple using a box grater or food processor.

Customization Ideas

• Nutty Crunch : Fold in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Cheesy Goodness : Add ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the batter.
• Vegan Option : Use melted coconut oil and flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
• Gluten-Free : Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition (Per Mini Cake)

• Calories : ~80
• Carbs : 12g
• Fat : 3g
• Protein : 1.5g