The scent of apples and cinnamon always transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen. I was just five years old, my hands dusted with flour, attempting to roll out biscuit dough. It was lumpy, uneven, yet in my grandma’s eyes, utterly perfect.
That kitchen, filled with warmth and the aroma of baking, ignited a lifelong passion. Now, here in Asheville, North Carolina, with my own bakery, Sweet Magnolia, I still chase those cherished memories. One particular recipe, a comforting classic, brings it all back: my Cinnamon Apple Cake.
It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a hug in cake form, a symphony of warm spices and tender apple pieces nestled in a moist crumb. Every bite promises a taste of home, a hint of autumn, and the pure joy of simple, delicious baking. This Cinnamon Apple Cake truly embodies everything I love about baking for friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You absolutely must try this Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe! It truly delivers an unparalleled experience for your taste buds. This isn’t just any apple cake; it’s a masterpiece of home baking.
First, the texture is simply divine. Imagine a cake that’s incredibly moist and tender, practically melting in your mouth with every single bite. Moreover, chunks of sweet, caramelized apple add a delightful chewiness and bursts of fruity flavor.
The warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger permeates every crumb, creating an inviting aroma that fills your entire home. Furthermore, baking this Cinnamon Apple Cake is a wonderfully comforting activity, perfect for a crisp autumn afternoon or any day you crave a touch of sweetness. It’s a straightforward recipe, even for novice bakers, promising impressive results every time.
Your family will adore this homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe repeatedly. It becomes an instant favorite, a true celebration of classic flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients marks the first step towards baking this exceptional Cinnamon Apple Cake. You likely have many of these staples already in your pantry. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures the best possible flavor and texture for your finished cake. Here’s everything you need to create your own delightful Cinnamon Apple Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) full-fat milk, at room temperature
- 3 medium apples (about 3 cups diced), peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar + ½ teaspoon cinnamon, for sprinkling on top
Substitutions & Variations
Baking is an art, but it also offers wonderful flexibility! You can easily adapt this Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this cake truly your own.
For the apples, feel free to mix varieties; Granny Smith adds a tart contrast to sweeter apples, giving your Cinnamon Apple Cake more depth.
If you don’t have butter, you can use an equal amount of unsalted margarine or a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil, though butter always offers superior flavor in this Cinnamon Apple Cake. For the sugars, you can swap brown sugar for more granulated sugar, or vice-versa, but the combination provides the best moisture and flavor.
If you’re out of milk, buttermilk provides an incredible tang and moistness; simply use an equal amount. Dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk also work well if you need a dairy-free Cinnamon Apple Cake, just ensure they are unsweetened. Want to add more spices?
A pinch of allspice or cardamom could elevate the flavor profile of your Cinnamon Apple Cake. You might also consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a lovely crunch; just toss them with a little flour first to prevent sinking.
For an extra touch of sweetness, a cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze drizzled over the cooled Cinnamon Apple Cake is always a fantastic idea. This Cinnamon Apple Cake is incredibly versatile, so have fun with it!
Baking is an art, but it also offers wonderful flexibility! You can easily adapt this Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this cake truly your own. For further inspiration, check out our recipe for Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes that brings a whole new dimension of flavor to your breakfast table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake is a joyful process. Follow these steps carefully, and you will achieve a moist, flavorful cake that impresses everyone. Grandma always said precision in baking makes all the difference, and it’s true for this Cinnamon Apple Cake too.
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or spray it thoroughly with a non-stick baking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation ensures your Cinnamon Apple Cake won’t stick.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set this bowl aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate, even larger bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, making your Cinnamon Apple Cake tender.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. For example, add about a third of the dry mix, mix until just combined, then add half the milk, mix, then another third of the dry mix, mix, the remaining milk, mix, and finally the last third of the dry mix. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough Cinnamon Apple Cake. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples into the cake batter using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. These apples are the star of your Cinnamon Apple Cake.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. If you like, mix the optional 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter for a beautiful, crunchy topping on your Cinnamon Apple Cake.
- Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the Cinnamon Apple Cake comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the Cinnamon Apple Cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the cake to set properly. Then, you can invert it onto the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake!
Pro Tips for Success
Baking a truly outstanding Cinnamon Apple Cake involves a few simple tricks I’ve picked up over the years. These tips will elevate your cake from good to absolutely unforgettable. First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially for your butter and eggs.
This ensures they cream together smoothly and emulsify properly, creating a more uniform and tender crumb for your Cinnamon Apple Cake. Cold ingredients resist blending, leading to a lumpy batter. Furthermore, choose the right apples.
A mix of sweet and slightly tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Fuji, provides the best flavor balance. Cut your apples into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook consistently throughout the Cinnamon Apple Cake. Don’t overmix the batter!
Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough, chewy cake rather than a tender, moist one. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. You want to see no streaks of flour.
Also, consider “flouring” your diced apples with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This simple step prevents the apples from sinking to the bottom of the pan, ensuring they distribute evenly throughout your Cinnamon Apple Cake. When you add the optional cinnamon-sugar topping, sprinkle it generously; it creates a delightful crunch and extra burst of flavor.
Finally, don’t open the oven door too early while the cake bakes; this can cause it to sink in the middle. Wait until at least two-thirds of the baking time has passed before checking for doneness. These little details make all the difference in achieving a perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake.
Baking a truly outstanding Cinnamon Apple Cake involves a few simple tricks I’ve picked up over the years. For even more delightful baking tips, discover how to make Cinnamon French Toast Biscuits that will elevate your breakfast game to new heights.
Storage & Reheating Tips
You’ve baked a magnificent Cinnamon Apple Cake, and now you want to enjoy every last crumb! Proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. Once your Cinnamon Apple Cake has cooled completely, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keeping it sealed prevents it from drying out and maintains its wonderful moisture. If you live in a warm climate or want to extend its freshness, you can refrigerate the Cinnamon Apple Cake.
It will last for up to a week in the fridge. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. For longer storage, this Cinnamon Apple Cake freezes beautifully.
Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for a few hours.
You can gently warm a slice in the microwave for 15-30 seconds for a “fresh from the oven” experience. A warm slice of Cinnamon Apple Cake, especially with a dollop of ice cream, is pure bliss!
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is absolutely delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments truly elevates the experience. Imagine enjoying a slice of warm Cinnamon Apple Cake on a cozy evening. A simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice; the cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cake.
For something a little richer, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch. You can even sweeten the whipped cream with a touch of maple syrup or a dash of cinnamon to complement the Cinnamon Apple Cake further. If you prefer a sauce, a warm caramel sauce drizzled over your slice of Cinnamon Apple Cake is simply heavenly.
The buttery, sweet caramel notes enhance the apple and cinnamon flavors perfectly. For a breakfast or brunch option, a cup of strong coffee or a comforting mug of hot tea pairs wonderfully with this Cinnamon Apple Cake. During the colder months, a spiced chai latte or hot apple cider would be an ideal companion, really bringing out the autumnal vibes of the Cinnamon Apple Cake.
You could also serve it with a light Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier, yet still delightful, treat. No matter how you serve it, this Cinnamon Apple Cake promises comfort and joy.
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is absolutely delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments truly elevates the experience. To complement your cake, try making Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls, which offer a rich flavor that perfectly contrasts with the spiced apple cake.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for Cinnamon Apple Cake?
For the absolute best Cinnamon Apple Cake, I recommend using a mix of apples. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn offer a nice sweetness and hold their shape well during baking. Adding a Granny Smith can provide a lovely tart counterpoint, balancing the sweetness of your Cinnamon Apple Cake beautifully. Avoid very soft or mealy apples, as they can turn mushy.
Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cinnamon Apple Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container.
In fact, many people find that the flavors of the Cinnamon Apple Cake deepen and meld even better on the second day. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before storing.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
This is a common question for any apple cake, including our Cinnamon Apple Cake! A great trick is to toss your diced apples with about a tablespoon of the all-purpose flour from the recipe before you fold them into the batter. The flour lightly coats the apples, giving them something to “grip” onto in the batter, which helps them stay suspended and distribute evenly throughout the Cinnamon Apple Cake as it bakes.
Can I add nuts to this Cinnamon Apple Cake?
Yes, you certainly can! Adding about ½ to 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans enhances the texture and flavor of this Cinnamon Apple Cake. Just like with the apples, toss the chopped nuts with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking and ensures they are nicely dispersed throughout your delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake.
Is this Cinnamon Apple Cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Cinnamon Apple Cake freezes very well! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. This makes it perfect for having a quick treat whenever you crave Cinnamon Apple Cake.
Cinnamon Apple Cake is a beloved dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, often enjoyed during autumn celebrations. This delightful treat is known for its moist texture and comforting flavors, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and potlucks. To learn more about this delicious cake, explore the fascinating world of cakemaking.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Understanding the nutritional values of your homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake can help you enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, apple types, and serving sizes. This calculation assumes 12 servings from a 9×13 inch cake.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
Cinnamon Apple Cake
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-free
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a comforting classic that embodies warmth and nostalgia, filled with warm spices and tender apple pieces nestled in a moist crumb, creating a delightful hug in cake form.
Ingredients
2 cups All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 teaspoon Baking powder
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamo
½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon Ground ginger
½ teaspoon Salt
½ cup Unsalted butter, softened
1 cup Granulated sugar
½ cup Packed light brown sugar
2 large Eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
½ cup Full-fat milk, at room temperature
3 Medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Optional: 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
Optional: ½ teaspoon Cinnamo
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pa
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt
- In another bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients
- Fold in the diced apples gently until evenly distributed
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly
- If desired, mix the optional sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the top
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clea
- Cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
Toss apples with flour to prevent them from sinking.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg