Cinnamon Apple Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the applesauce. Stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts, if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cake batter.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve the cake at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake!