Introduction
Apple Cinnamon Cake is a cozy, aromatic dessert that combines tender cake with the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweet, juicy apples. Perfect for fall, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave comfort in a slice, this cake is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s ideal served with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
For the topping (optional):
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, melted
½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 9-inch round pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Combine wet and dry: Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by sour cream, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in apples: Gently fold chopped apples into the batter.
Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Drizzle melted butter over the top of the batter and sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly.
Bake: Bake for 40–50 minutes (or 25–35 minutes for a 9-inch round) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow cake to cool slightly before serving. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze.
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Cake is moist and tender, bursting with sweet, tart apple chunks and warm, aromatic spices. The optional topping adds a buttery, crunchy texture that complements the soft cake perfectly. Every bite evokes the cozy flavors of autumn or a homemade family dessert.
Tips and Variations
Extra moisture: Toss apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tartness.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spice twist: Add ¼ tsp cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
Mini muffins: Bake in a muffin tin for 18–20 minutes for individual servings.
Frosting option: Spread cream cheese frosting or drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
Nut-free: Omit nuts in topping if desired.
Correction
Some recipes suggest adding apples directly without coating or folding carefully, which can cause uneven baking. Gently fold apples into the batter to ensure they’re evenly distributed and prevent sinking to the bottom.
Enjoy
Serve Apple Cinnamon Cake warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream. Its soft, spiced flavor and tender apples make it a perfect dessert or breakfast treat for any occasion.