Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe: A Scrumptious Dessert to Savor
Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. Specifically, cake. What is Cinnamon Apple Cake? What were those apple pies that Grandma used to make? What is cinnamon and happiness? What is the feeling of a cake? I swear, this is going to be your new go-to when you need something sweet and comforting, fast. It’s much more approachable than, say, a complicated French pastry but still delivers that “wow” factor. What is the best part? Is it the kind of recipe that everyone, even self-proclaimed “non-bakers”, can pull off with a little effort? What is Cinnamon Apple Cake? What is your baking experience
What is Cinnamon Apple Cake?
Think of Cinnamon Apple Cake as a cross between coffee cake and apple pie, but in cake form. It’s essentially a moist, tender cake base studded with chunks of sweet, tart apples and swirled with sprinkles. With a generous ribbon of cinnamon sugar. The name says it all! I love cinnamon, but it’s not overly sweet. It adds this incredible warmth. What makes it perfect for any time of year, but especially when the leaves start to turn. Is it the perfect anytime cake? Is simple in nature?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Alright, let me count the ways why this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. First, the flavor. Oh my goodness, the flavor! You’ve got the tanginess of the apples mingling with the warm spice of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery cake. It’s genuinely divine. What I love most about this is how incredibly simple it is to make. I’m not kidding; you can whip this up in under an hour, start to finish. And the best part? It uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Talk about cost-efficient!
Another reason to love this is its versatility. Enjoy a slice for breakfast with a cup of coffee, serve it as a cozy dessert after dinner, or even pack it in a lunchbox for a sweet treat. It’s delicious warm, room temperature, or even cold straight from the fridge (guilty!). It’s a comforting cake, similar in appeal to a classic banana bread or maybe a blueberry muffin recipe, but with that extra something special that makes it stand out. My family prefers this way more than blueberry muffins now!
How do I make Cinnamon Apple Cake?
Quick Overview
What is the best Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe? How do you make a simple cake batter, layer it on top with cinnamon-sugar coated apples? Is it okay to bake until golden brown? What happens when apples soften and release their juices, creating a moist and flavorful taste. What are some of the best cake recipes? Don’t be intimidated by baking. This recipe is super forgiving and easy to customize to your liking. Is there a recipe that will make you feel confident in the kitchen?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Cake Batter:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cake. I prefer unbleached, but either works.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness, of course!
- Baking Powder: The magic ingredient that makes our cake light and fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
- Eggs: To bind everything together and add richness.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the cake. I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it works great!
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of flavor. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
For the Apple Filling:
- I like using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces.
- Granulated Sugar: More sweetness for our apple filling.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show!
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the apple filling and prevent it from becoming too watery.
For the Glaze (optional, but highly recommended!): For a glaze:
- What is powdered sugar for?
- Milk: To thin out the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla to enhance the flavor of the glaze.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I prepare a 9×13 baking pan? I know it’s tempting to skip the flouring, but trust me, it will make your life so much better. I have a family of four. When it’s time to take the cake out, it is easier. You don’t want any sticking! If you want a pan to be sprayed with parchment paper, you can line it with tin foil.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure to whisk it really well to evenly distribute the baking powder. This helps the cake rise properly and prevents any pockets of baking powder that can leave a bitter taste. I always do this step first to avoid overmixing later on.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Use a whisk to make sure everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. If your eggs are cold, let them sit in warm water for a few minutes before whisking. This will help them incorporate more easily into the batter.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix? Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. What are some small lumps of flour? I find it easiest to use a rubber spatula for this step to gently fold the ingredients together.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Set aside. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour helps to absorb some of the apple juices during baking, preventing the cake from becoming too dry. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon juice for extra flavor.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I spread the cake batter evenly in a pan? Then, sprinkle the apple mixture over the batter. If you have leftover batter, pour it over the apples, spreading it out as evenly as possible. To create a swirl pattern, use skewer or knife to gently swirl the apple mixture into the center of the cake. What are some of the best swirls to use?
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If you are using a microwave, check for doneness around 30 minutes before baking. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil. Every oven is different. So remember that every oven has a different I have found with my oven that lower rack position helps to get a more even bake.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. For a thinner glaze, use more milk. If you want a more rustic look, skip the glaze altogether and simply dust the cake with powdered sugar.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve. Is this Cinnamon Apple Cake good to eat warm or cold? I personally love it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. How do you serve a cake from the cooling rack? What is a serving For extra credit, garnish with a few slices of apple and sprinkle of cinnamon.
What should I serve it with?
I love Cinnamon Apple Cake. It is incredibly versatile, which is another reason why I adore it. What are some different serving suggestions for different occasions?
For Breakfast:What are some good ways to serve a warm slice of bread with coffee? What is the best way to start the day on a sweet note? Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
For Brunch:Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. What is the best way to enjoy a sweet cake? For a more elegant presentation, slice the cake into smaller portions and arrange them artfully on an icing board.
As Dessert:What is the perfect end to a meal? Serve with whipped cream, a dollop of vanilla ice cream or caramel. For a more sophisticated dessert, pair it with ice-cold white wine or herbal tea.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a warm mug of tea or hot cocoa on a chilly evening. It’s the ultimate comfort food. My family loves to cuddle up on the couch with a slice of this cake and watch a movie. I always make sure to have a batch on hand during the colder months!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Apple Cake
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that will help you achieve cake perfection:
Apple Prep: Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crispness. Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they cook evenly. I’ve found that if the pieces are too large, they can make the cake soggy.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps are okay. Trust me, it’s better to undermix than overmix.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with the swirl pattern! Use a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick to create different designs. You can make simple swirls, figure eights, or even more elaborate patterns. Just be careful not to overmix the batter while swirling.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have milk on hand, you can substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or even water. The cake might be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious. You can also substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. If you do this, be sure to let the butter cool slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. Baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil. Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Glaze Variations: Get creative with the glaze! You can add a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of lemon juice, or even a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze for extra flavor. For a chocolate glaze, whisk in a tablespoon of cocoa powder. You can also top the cake with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for later. Here are a few tips for storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful. I always make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cake will be slightly firmer, but it will still be delicious. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick and easy treat.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to store the cake, it’s best to wait to glaze it until just before serving. The glaze can become sticky if stored for too long. If you do glaze the cake before storing it, make sure to store it in a single layer so the glaze doesn’t get smudged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is truly a gem. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast treat, a simple dessert, or a cozy snack, this cake is sure to satisfy. The warm cinnamon and sweet apples create a magical combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes for more delicious inspiration! I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cake with your loved ones as much as I do. It truly is a scrumptious dessert to savor. Happy baking, friends! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out, and if you have any fun variations you tried!
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Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe: A Scrumptious Dessert to Savor
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus more for topping
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large apples peeled and diced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional cinnamon on top if desired.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
