If you have been on the lookout for a delightfully cozy treat that combines the warm embrace of spice with the fresh sweetness of fruit, look no further than this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. This cake is a true celebration of everything that makes fall baking so irresistible: tender apples folded into a soft, cinnamon-spiced batter that comes out perfectly moist and fragrant every single time. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe promises a slice of comfort and joy, simple enough for a weekday dessert yet special enough for gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to your perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the soft butter that creates tender crumb to the apples that bring moisture and texture, ensuring every bite is full of flavor and just the right balance of sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, light cake that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps your cake rise to a fluffy perfection.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream to give tenderness and a slight lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Packs that signature warm, spicy note essential for a cinnamon apple cake.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while keeping it light.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely layer of aromatic warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender while lending a slight tang.
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples): The star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and juicy texture in every bite.
- Optional powdered sugar for dusting: A pretty finish that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round or square baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick and helps it bake evenly, resulting in a perfectly golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients is what gives the cake its signature spice and ensures a delicate rise and tender crumb.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy. This creaming process traps air, which helps give your cake its lovely lift and texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the eggs one at a time, which helps the batter bind together smoothly. Next, mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt). The sour cream is a little secret weapon that keeps the cake moist and tender, while vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cake tough, so be gentle and stop once you see no flour pockets.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter. These juicy apple pieces will bake into soft pockets of natural sweetness and moisture, making each bite truly delightful.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and pop it in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is delightful on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds a delicate sweetness and makes it look like a treat straight from a French patisserie. You can also sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon for a more intense aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a dessert that will impress everyone at your table. A cup of spiced chai or a hot cup of coffee also pairs perfectly to complement the cake’s cinnamon notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning this cake into a trifle by layering cubes of the Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe with whipped cream and spiced applesauce. For a breakfast twist, slice and toast pieces lightly before topping with nut butter and an extra drizzle of honey for a cozy, comforting morning treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and delicious, so you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe even the next day.
Freezing
To keep your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe fresh longer, freeze it by wrapping the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Warm cake brings back the fresh-baked feeling and highlights the lovely apple and cinnamon aromas.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet and tart apples is a great way to enhance the flavor complexity, but feel free to use whatever apples you love or have on hand. Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp all work wonderfully in this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative. This keeps the cake moist and just as delicious with its signature cinnamon and apple flavors intact.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that’s designed for baking. This will give you the same texture and rise without gluten, letting you enjoy your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe without compromise.
Why is sour cream or yogurt important in this recipe?
They add moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. The acidity also reacts with the baking soda, helping the cake rise nicely and stay tender.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, and raisins or dried cranberries provide bursts of chewy sweetness that complement the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is a heartwarming classic that’s easy to make yet wonderfully impressive. Once you taste its tender crumb flecked with cinnamon and juicy apples, you’ll want to bake it again and again. So grab your ingredients, embrace the cozy vibes, and make this cake your next delicious memory to share with those you love.
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Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall. It combines tender chunks of apples with warm cinnamon spice in a soft cake base, making it an inviting treat that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air and emulsify the batter, then add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until smooth for moisture and flavor balance.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and producing a dense cake.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top for even baking and a uniform shape.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely and prevent sogginess.
- Serve: Optionally dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
- Try using a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more balanced flavor.
- Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
