Ingredients
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
2 large eggs
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon black rum
2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and black rum.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Apples: Gently fold in the sliced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a light layer of granulated sugar over the top for a slight crunch.
Bake Time: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy.