Spiced Apple Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or a 10-inch tube pan, making sure to coat all surfaces thoroughly.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
4. Add wet ingredients
   Add eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well incorporated.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in apples and nuts
   Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using) with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake the cake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and serve
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For added flavor, dust with powdered sugar before serving or top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider.