Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

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If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that brings the warm embrace of fall right to your kitchen, this Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender chunks of sweet apples and the fragrant sparkle of cinnamon, this cake offers the perfect balance of moist texture and rich flavor. It’s easy to make yet impressively delicious, making it a true favorite to share with friends and family on any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple pantry staples and fresh apples, this recipe is a wonderful example of how everyday ingredients can come together to create a spectacular treat. Each element plays a vital role—whether providing structure, flavor, or that irresistible moist crumb you’ll crave.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): the foundation for your cake’s tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): helps your cake rise just right for a light texture.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): works alongside the powder to ensure perfect leavening.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): infuses the cake with that signature warm, spicy aroma.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup or 1 stick): adds richness and helps create a fluffy batter.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): sweetens the cake and aids in browning.
• Large eggs (2): provide structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): enhances the overall flavor profile with fragrant notes.
• Sour cream or plain yogurt (1 cup): contributes moisture and a subtle tang, keeping the cake wonderfully tender.
• Chopped apples (2 cups, about 2 medium apples, peeled): the star ingredient, delivering juicy bursts of sweetness.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake.
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): adds a pretty finishing touch and a touch of extra sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), making sure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking. Meanwhile, grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan—this will give your cake the perfect release after baking while achieving those beautiful edges.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step ensures your leavening agents and spices are evenly dispersed, so every bite of the Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe is perfectly seasoned and rises evenly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming step is key for reducing graininess and creating an airy texture in the finished cake.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which lends a lovely depth of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Gradually blend the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream—beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This careful folding keeps the batter moist without overmixing, which can toughen cakes.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the peeled, chopped apples and nuts if you’re using them. This adds juicy texture and a satisfying crunch, making each slice a delightful surprise.

Step 7: Transfer Batter to the Pan

Pour your batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the surface evenly. This ensures the Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe bakes uniformly with a lovely domed top.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—just the right moment for a moist yet fully cooked cake.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully removing the springform ring. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely, letting those flavors settle and intensify.

Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch

Once the cake is completely cooled, dust it lightly with powdered sugar if you like. This adds a pretty, delicate contrast that makes your Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe look as tempting as it tastes.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar highlight the cake’s delicate appearance, but fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top add a rustic charm. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent finish perfect for special moments.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with warm beverages like cinnamon-spiced tea, a smooth latte, or even mulled cider. For brunch or dessert, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or a tangy cream cheese spread to complement its sweetness and spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe into thick slices and stacking them with layers of cream cheese frosting or caramel sauce for an inviting twist. Or go rustic: serve it family-style on a wooden board with bowls of nuts and extra apple slices for guests to customize their portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover 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 flavorful, making it easy to grab a slice whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake slices by individually wrapping them in plastic and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen properly, your Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe will keep well for up to three months—perfect for busy days when you want a quick homemade treat.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cake, microwave slices briefly for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a low oven at 300°F until just warmed through. This restores that fresh-baked softness and brings out the comforting cinnamon aroma anew.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully to balance sweetness, but softer varieties like Fuji or Gala provide a sweeter, more tender bite. Just be sure to peel and chop them evenly for consistent texture.

Is it okay to substitute yogurt for sour cream in this recipe?

Yes, plain yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream, lending a similar tang and moisture with slightly less fat. Just choose a full-fat yogurt for best results in texture and flavor.

How can I make the cake nut-free?

Simply leave out the chopped walnuts or pecans. The cake will still have plenty of texture and flavor from the apples and cinnamon, so don’t worry about sacrificing taste!

Can this Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe be made into muffins?

Definitely! Just divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. It’s a convenient way to enjoy this delicious flavor on the go.

What’s the best way to keep the cake moist?

Using sour cream or yogurt is key for moisture, and avoiding overmixing the batter helps keep the crumb tender. Also, don’t overbake—the cake should be pulled out as soon as a toothpick tests clean to retain juiciness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, inviting, and full of autumn’s best flavors, making it a wonderful addition to your baking routine. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!

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