If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts that taste like a warm hug, then this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is going to steal your heart. It’s an irresistible combination of tender cake studded with tart apples, fragrant ground cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg that brings all those fall flavors to life. Every bite melts in your mouth, with just the right amount of sweetness and a delightful crunchy topping that makes you want to savor it over and over again. Whether it’s an afternoon treat or a showstopper for gatherings, this cake feels like homemade happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma in your cake. From the soft apples to the warm spices, every element adds a special touch.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and tenderness to the cake’s crumb.
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Gives the cake a lovely rise and lightness.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps with cake lifting and balances acidity.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that infuses the cake with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, earthy spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter evenly without overpowering.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings deep molasses notes and moistness to the cake.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and help the cake rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out flavors.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist while brightening flavors.
- Peeled and chopped apples (2 cups): The juicy, tart pops in every bite—Granny Smith apples work best here.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and slight nuttiness.
- Granulated sugar for topping (2 tablespoons): Creates a sweet and slightly crisp finish.
- Ground cinnamon for topping (½ teaspoon): Enhances the aroma and visual appeal of the cake.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round or square cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and make sure your beautiful cake comes out effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend not only ensures even distribution of leavening agents but also lets the warm spices infuse uniformly throughout the cake batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Next, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This crucial step introduces air into the batter that leads to a soft, tender crumb after baking.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to layer in aromatic sweetness and depth.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream
Mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and well combined. The sour cream adds just the right amount of moisture and a hint of tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender and soft.
Step 7: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apples along with the nuts if you’re using them. This step ensures those juicy apple pieces and crunchy nuts are evenly distributed for perfect bites every time.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the top for a sweet spiced crust.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a simple drizzle of vanilla glaze really elevates the look and taste of this cinnamon apple cake. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast to each warm slice.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For a more substantial dessert, serve alongside spiced custard or a creamy mascarpone cheese for richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this cake into charming wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe. For gatherings, you can cut into bite-sized squares and arrange alongside fresh apple slices and nuts for a delightful dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze cinnamon apple cake slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast, Honeycrisp and Fuji apples also work well for their sweetness and crisp texture. Choose your favorite or a blend for unique flavor twists.
Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, using both helps the cake rise properly. Baking powder provides overall leavening, while baking soda reacts with the sour cream’s acidity to create that light, fluffy texture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful that texture might vary slightly. Adding a little xanthan gum can help mimic the structure of gluten.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Sour cream adds moisture and slight tanginess, but you can replace it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts for similar results.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
To keep the apples evenly distributed, toss them lightly in a small amount of flour before folding into the batter. This coats the apples and helps suspend them during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. I truly hope you make it a staple in your home and share it with loved ones. It’s straightforward to prepare, utterly delicious, and perfect for showcasing those beautiful fall flavors.
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Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a comforting and delicious dessert perfect for fall. Featuring a moist batter loaded with tender, tart apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s topped with a cinnamon sugar sprinkle that creates a subtle crunch. Made from scratch with simple ingredients including butter, eggs, and sour cream, this classic American cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and spice, ideal for cozy gatherings or an everyday treat.
Ingredients
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 ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air into the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Then, blend in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth, adding moisture and richness to the cake.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined, taking care not to overmix to prevent a dense cake.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer and Top Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the surface of the batter to create a sweet, spiced crust after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess from steam trapped in the pan.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, ensuring they hold their shape during baking. Alternatively, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can be used for a sweeter flavor.
- For added sweetness and moistness, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cake once it has cooled.
- You can substitute nuts or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding flour to maintain a light texture.
