Heavenly Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe: Sweet Autumn Magic

Sweet aromas of cinnamon apple cake waft through kitchens, promising comfort and pure delight.

Autumn’s crisp apples nestle perfectly in a tender, spiced batter that melts on your tongue.

Warm spices create a nostalgic embrace reminiscent of grandmother’s cherished recipes.

Soft crumbs blend with caramelized fruit, delivering a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat everyone will adore.

Baking this cake becomes an experience of love, connection, and pure culinary joy.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this irresistible seasonal masterpiece.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it might affect the cake’s moisture and texture. If you want to cut down on sweetness, try using half the amount of sugar or a natural sweetener like stevia.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, and the top is golden brown, the cake is ready. The baking time is typically 40-45 minutes at 350°F.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Master a delightful cake that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Capture the warm, cozy essence of autumn with tender apple chunks and aromatic cinnamon that dance perfectly together in every delectable bite.
• Ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, afternoon tea, or weekend family treats that will have everyone asking for seconds without complicated preparation steps.

Ingredients For Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Flour: The base structure for the cake.
• Butter: Provides richness and moisture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• Apples: Brings fresh fruity flavor and moisture.

• Sour Cream, Vanilla Extract: Enhances cake's moisture and flavor.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy crunch on top of the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt, Ground Cinnamon: Helps cake rise and adds depth of flavor.

How To Make Cinnamon Apple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Prepare a cake pan by coating it with butter and a light dusting of flour, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Set this magical mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Bring in the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into your creamy mixture.

Alternate between adding dry ingredients and sour cream, starting and ending with the dry mixture.

Mix gently to keep the batter tender.

Step 6: Fold in Apple Goodness

Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 7: Fill the Pan

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Create Cinnamon Sprinkle

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon for a sweet topping.

Step 9: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top of the cake batter.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 11: Cool and Settle

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Serve and Celebrate

Slice the cake and serve it up!

Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Savor every delicious bite of your homemade cinnamon apple cake!

Tips For Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Choose firm, tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your cake.
• Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh appearance in the cake.
• Pat apple pieces dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy during baking.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon-sugar topping for a more complex and warming spice profile.
• Use the toothpick test near the cake's center, ensuring it comes out with just a few moist crumbs for perfect moisture.

Store Cinnamon Apple Cake Right

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date and contents.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Best consumed within 24 hours for maximum freshness.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back the cake's soft texture.

Sides That Match Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Pair Spiced Caramel Latte: A warm, creamy coffee with caramel and cinnamon notes perfectly complements the cake's sweet apple and spice profile, enhancing the dessert's rich flavors.
• Scoop Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature and textural contrast, balancing the warm cake with its smooth, sweet undertones.
• Drizzle Salted Caramel Sauce: A luxurious caramel sauce with a hint of salt elevates the cake's apple and cinnamon essence, creating a complex and indulgent dessert experience.
• Brew Chai Tea: Spicy, aromatic chai tea with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger harmonizes beautifully with the cake's warm, comforting spices and fruity apple notes.

New Twists On Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly cake that maintains moisture and texture.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and sour cream with plant-based yogurt to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and replace brown sugar with a sugar-free cinnamon sprinkle to lower the overall sugar content.
• Nutty Enhancement: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter and sprinkle additional nuts on top for extra crunch and nutritional value.

Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful cinnamon apple cake brings warmth of autumn kitchens with perfectly spiced layers of comfort. Sweet apples and rich cinnamon create a homemade dessert you’ll savor slice by slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Produce:

• 2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Wet Ingredients and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9-inch round cake pan with grease and flour or parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing completely after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredient mixture and sour cream to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to create a uniform batter. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Gently fold diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
8. Create a topping by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl.
9. Evenly scatter the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top of the cake batter, creating a decorative and flavorful coating.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let the cake rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
12. Serve the cake at room temperature, optionally accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Select apples that are firm and slightly tart like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to provide the best texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
• Dice apples into uniform small cubes to ensure even distribution and consistent baking throughout the cake.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more homogeneous batter that results in a tender cake with better rise.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding dry ingredients to prevent developing tough gluten strands that can make the cake dense.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
• Enhance the cake’s moisture by brushing warm cake with a light syrup made from apple juice and cinnamon after baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg