Crimson Harvest Cake

The Crimson Harvest Cake is a decadent dessert featuring the rich flavors of autumn ingredients. This cake is a celebration of the season, incorporating vibrant fruits and warming spices to create a tapestry of flavors that evoke the colors of fall. It is often enjoyed during festive gatherings and is perfect for friends and family to savor together. Historically, harvest cakes have been a tradition in many cultures, where the bounty of the season is celebrated through elaborate desserts.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Chopped apples
• Dried cranberries
• Orange zest
• Chopped walnuts
• Brown sugar for the topping
• Butter for the topping

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
6. Fold in chopped apples, dried cranberries, orange zest, and walnuts.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. For the topping, combine brown sugar and melted butter. Sprinkle over the cake batter.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can use a cooking timer to ensure accurate timing.
10. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

This Crimson Harvest Cake can be served warm or at room temperature. It's lovely on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To enhance the presentation and flavors, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of additional chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy during your autumn gatherings or as a delightful treat on a cozy afternoon.