Apple Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is ready for baking.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with a little vegetable oil or butter. This prevents the cake from sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 1/4 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
4. In another mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until no dry flour is visible. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
6. Gently fold in the 3 cups of chopped apples and, if using, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts into the batter. Ensure the apples are evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with your spatula.
8. Bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Start checking the cake a little earlier to prevent overbaking.
9. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the cake to firm up, making it easier to cut.
10. Serve the apple cake warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as is, or perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.