Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. Imagine a moist, tender cake packed with juicy apples and kissed by warm cinnamon spice that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This delightful treat strikes the perfect balance between a soft crumb and a lightly crisp golden crust, making it just as wonderful alongside your morning coffee as it is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Trust me, this cake has all the flavors you crave when the weather turns cool or when you simply want a moment of sweet comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, but essential ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. Each element plays a key role — from the spice in the cinnamon to the tang of the sour cream — ensuring a moist, flavorful cake with a beautiful golden crust.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake’s soft yet sturdy crumb.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift and tenderness to the batter.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the cake with warm, comforting flavor.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Offers a subtle depth and earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the apple’s natural tartness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding structure and a slight richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds a faint tang for balance.
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples): The juicy star of the cake, offering bursts of sweetness and texture.
• ¼ cup brown sugar (for topping): Creates a sweet, caramelized crust when baked on top.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping): Sprinkled over the brown sugar to enhance the spice aroma and flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch round or square baking pan. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release effortlessly from the pan once done.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients is what gives the cake its lift and that cozy cinnamon flavor throughout.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and ensuring a tender cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully combine before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth. The sour cream helps keep the cake moist and adds a slight tang.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and light.

Step 6: Fold in the Diced Apples

Carefully fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly. These juicy fruit pieces will add delightful texture bursts and natural sweetness.

Step 7: Pour Batter and Add Topping

Pour the batter into the greased pan and smooth the surface evenly. Then combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle this mixture over the batter for a sweet, spicy topping that caramelizes as the cake bakes.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden with a crisp edge. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, serve your Cinnamon Apple Cake topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add lovely visual appeal and a hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, especially during chilly mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. If you want to go savory, a cheese plate or creamy mascarpone can nicely complement the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting the cake into small squares and serving it as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or nuts. Layering slices between sheets of parchment paper makes it perfect for gifting or picnics. For a festive twist, drizzle warm caramel sauce over individual servings right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe stores beautifully. Keep any leftovers at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days to maintain moisture and flavor. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Rewarm slices gently in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or heat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked warmth and soften any chilled edges.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith create a nice contrast with the sweet batter, you can also try sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a milder apple flavor. Just make sure to dice them evenly for consistent baking.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake’s texture intact.

Can I replace the sour cream with something else?

If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works just as well and yields similar moisture and tanginess. For a dairy-free version, try coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream alternative.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake it a bit longer and check again in a few minutes.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins can be folded in with the apples for added texture and flavor. Just keep the total volume similar to avoid upsetting the batter balance.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is a true delight to bake and even more joyful to share. It perfectly captures that warm, comforting feeling of home with every bite, offering a blend of tender cake and juicy apple that’s simply irresistible. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert for cozy afternoons and festive gatherings alike.

Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist and tender dessert filled with juicy apples and warm cinnamon spice, perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, comforting treat. With a soft crumb and crisp golden crust, this simple cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, makes a delightful brunch addition, and is delicious topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

Fruits

• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)

Topping

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg ensuring they are evenly combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, then blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until smooth and homogenous.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensuring a tender cake.
6. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold in the peeled and diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Top Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle this topping evenly over the batter’s surface.
8. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as is or with accompaniments like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet batter and a more balanced flavor.
• This cake stores well at room temperature for up to 2 days or can be refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American