The Most Delicious Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Hello sweet bakers! This Apple Cinnamon Cake is a warm hug on chilly autumn days—moist, fragrant, bursting with tender apples and cozy cinnamon. Simple to whip up (15 min prep, 40-45 min bake) for any occasion. Let’s bake!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Apple Cinnamon Cake
- Unbelievably Moist Crumb: Thanks to the perfect ratio of ingredients and the natural moisture from the apples, this cake stays wonderfully tender and never dry.
- Harmonious Flavor Profile: The sweet apples and warm cinnamon create a classic pairing that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
- Effortless to Make: This recipe is designed for real life! Minimal steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can create a stunning cake without feeling stressed.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family dessert, a potluck, or a special occasion, this Apple Cinnamon Cake always disappears quickly!
Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
Discover the ultimate apple cinnamon cake recipe for a moist, flavorful dessert. Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe now!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray.
- In large bowl, beat softened butter and sugars with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla, flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the chopped apples and walnuts. Spoon into your greased pan.
- Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool about 10-15 minutes. Cut the warm cake into slices and serve with ice cream.
Notes
Remember to bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before you start. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
The Ingredients
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Apples
- Walnuts (or optional pecans, slivered almonds)
Try this easy chocolate trifle for a show-stopping finish with minimal effort.
How to Make the Most Delicious Apple Cinnamon Cake
Here’s how we’ll bring this amazing Apple Cinnamon Cake to life!
- Prep your oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter and a dusting of flour.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with the sugar and dark brown sugar until the mixture is wonderfully light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake!
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
- Bring it all together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the goodies: Gently stir in the chopped and peeled apples and the chopped walnuts. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what we want.
- Bake to perfection: Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the Apple Cinnamon Cake comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool slightly. Slice and serve warm!
Tips for Perfectly Peel and Chopping Apples
Peel apples fast with a Y-shaped peeler, then core and chop into ½-inch pieces for even baking in your Apple Cinnamon Cake—keeps them tender, not mushy. Toss with lemon juice if prepping ahead to prevent browning!
Elevate Your Apple Cinnamon Cake: Variations and Additions
Want to put your own spin on this delicious Apple Cinnamon Cake? I love adding little touches! Try swapping the walnuts for pecans or slivered almonds for a different nutty flavor. A handful of raisins or dried cranberries can add a lovely chewy texture and a burst of fruity sweetness. For an extra layer of warmth, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even ground ginger along with the cinnamon. And for a bright, fresh note, a little orange zest stirred into the batter is absolutely divine!
Glaze and Topping Ideas to Drizzle and Delight
While this Apple Cinnamon Cake is wonderfully delicious on its own, a little something extra can make it truly spectacular! Here are a few of my favorite ways to top it off:
- Classic Powdered Sugar Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth and drizzly.
- Simple Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth.
- Caramel Drizzle: Use your favorite store-bought caramel sauce or make a quick one by simmering 1/2 cup caramel candies with 2 tablespoons of cream until smooth.
- Streusel/Crumb Topping: Combine 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp cold butter. Rub together with your fingers until crumbly, then sprinkle over the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Simply whisk together 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the warm cake.
Sweet Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This Apple Cinnamon Cake is so versatile! It’s perfect for so many moments.
- Morning Treat: Enjoy a slice with your favorite cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Dessert Delight: Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Holiday Centerpiece: Elevate it with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a festive touch.
- Potluck Perfection: This cake travels beautifully and is always a guaranteed hit when shared with friends and family.
Troubleshooting Common Apple Cinnamon Cake Issues
Even the best bakers sometimes run into little hiccups! Don’t worry, we can fix them.
- My cake is too dry: This can happen if you over-bake or mismeasure your flour. Make sure to measure flour correctly (spoon and level!) and watch the cake closely towards the end of baking. If it’s slightly dry, serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze can help.
- My cake is too dense: Overmixing the batter after adding the flour is a common culprit. Mix just until combined! Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh; old baking soda won’t give the cake the lift it needs.
- My cake sunk in the middle: This often means the oven temperature was too low, or the cake was underbaked. Opening the oven door too early during baking can also cause it to sink. Trust the toothpick test!
- My apples turned mushy: While some softness is expected, overly mushy apples can be disappointing. Ensure your apples are chopped to a consistent size (around 1/2 inch) and don’t overmix the batter once the apples are added.
Make-Ahead Magic and Smart Storage Tips
Life gets busy, so let’s plan ahead!
- Preparing Apples in Advance: You can chop your apples a day ahead. To prevent browning, toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice or a splash of water right after chopping.
- Batter Prep: While the batter is best baked fresh, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients (separately) a day in advance. Combine and add apples/nuts just before baking.
- Baking and Freezing: Bake the Apple Cinnamon Cake completely and let it cool entirely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place in an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
- Room Temperature: Remember to bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before you start. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
Baking with Different Pan Sizes
This Apple Cinnamon Cake recipe is wonderfully adaptable!
- Cupcakes/Muffins: Fill lined muffin cups about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Bundt Pan: Grease and flour your Bundt pan very well. Baking time might increase slightly, so start checking around 45-50 minutes.
- Sheet Cake: Use a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to slightly increase the baking time, so keep an eye on it.
- Loaf Pan: A standard loaf pan (approx. 9×5 inches) will work. Baking time will likely be longer, potentially 50-60 minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions for Every Baker
Here are some easy swaps to make this Apple Cinnamon Cake work for you!
| Ingredient | Substitution Suggestion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | Vegetable oil, Canola oil, Melted coconut oil, Margarine | May slightly alter texture; use about 3/4 cup oil |
| Eggs | Flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins), Unsweetened Applesauce (1/2 cup) | Flax egg works well for binding; applesauce adds moisture |
| All-Purpose Flour | Gluten-free all-purpose blend | Check blend for best baking results |
| Dark Brown Sugar | Light brown sugar, Granulated sugar + 1 tbsp molasses | Adjust moisture slightly if using granulated |
| Walnuts | Pecans, Almonds, Chopped peanuts, Omit | Enhances flavor and texture |
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Cinnamon Cake
- Can I use fresh apples instead of peeled and chopped? No, it’s best to peel and chop the apples. Leaving the peel on can make the cake texture slightly tougher, and uniform pieces ensure even baking.
- What if I don’t have dark brown sugar? You can substitute light brown sugar or a mix of granulated sugar and molasses (about 1 tbsp molasses per cup of granulated sugar) for a similar flavor and moisture.
- How do I know when the cake is truly done? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out completely clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. The edges of the Apple Cinnamon Cake should also start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
- Can I make this cake vegan? Yes! You can use a plant-based butter substitute, a flax egg or applesauce for the eggs, and ensure your sugar is vegan.
Let’s Bake Together!
Oh, I just know you’re going to adore this Apple Cinnamon Cake! It’s a simple pleasure that brings so much warmth and deliciousness to the table. I truly believe that cooking should be joyful, and this recipe is a perfect example of that. I can’t wait for you to try it and fill your home with that incredible aroma.
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