Cinnamon Apple Cake

Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Cozy, Delicious Dessert Perfect for Every Occasion

If you’re craving a dessert that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and downright delicious, look no further than Cinnamon Apple Cake! This cake is the perfect combination of tender, moist cake and sweet, spiced apples, all wrapped up in a cozy cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s a treat that feels like a warm hug, making it ideal for any time of year, whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

Not only is this cake easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile, offering a balance of sweetness, spice, and fruitiness that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into why this Cinnamon Apple Cake deserves a spot in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Apple Cake:

Perfectly Moist and Tender: The base of this cake is wonderfully moist thanks to the apples, which add both flavor and moisture, creating a soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
Spiced to Perfection: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg brings a cozy warmth to the cake that’s perfect for autumn, but really delicious all year round.
Sweet Apple Flavor: Fresh apples are the star of this cake, offering natural sweetness and flavor that complements the spice blend beautifully. The apples also create small pockets of juicy goodness in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires common pantry ingredients, so you can whip it up on a whim without a trip to the store. You’ll find everything you need in your kitchen already!
Customizable: You can add nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for a bit of crunch, or even drizzle the cake with caramel sauce for a decadent finishing touch. It’s your canvas to get creative with!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Cake:

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to make a rich and flavorful cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent the apples from browning)
Optional topping:
- 1 tbsp cinnamon-sugar mixture (½ tsp cinnamon mixed with 1 tbsp sugar)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a square baking dish to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.

2. Prepare the Apples:

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Toss the apple pieces with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown while you prepare the batter.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices and the leavening agents will provide the structure and flavor for your cake.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The fluffier the butter-sugar mixture, the lighter the texture of your cake.

5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the dry mixture, then add half of the milk, and repeat until all ingredients are fully combined. Stir until smooth, but avoid overmixing to ensure your cake stays light and fluffy.

7. Fold in the Apples:

Once the batter is smooth, fold in the prepared apples. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, but be gentle when mixing to prevent crushing them.

8. Pour the Batter into the Pan:

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. If you’d like a little extra sweetness and crunch, sprinkle the top with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

9. Bake the Cake:

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden-brown top with a slight bounce when lightly pressed.