If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy dessert that wraps you up in warm autumn flavors, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist cake bursting with juicy apple chunks and the comforting aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen as it bakes. This cake not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also brings a touch of homemade love to your table, making it perfect for family gatherings or a simple weekend treat. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite that you’ll revisit year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe plays a vital role in creating its irresistible texture and flavor. From the soft butter that lends richness to the warmth of cinnamon that ties everything together, each addition is essential. Plus, the apples provide a juicy surprise that brightens every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that gives the cake structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with sour cream to create a light crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that infuses the cake with its signature warmth.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness while keeping the texture tender.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter without overpowering the other flavors.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Brings a hint of molasses depth and extra moisture.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle, fragrant sweetness.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt (½ cup): Gives the cake a tender crumb and slight tanginess.
- Peeled and chopped apples (2 cups): Bursts of juicy freshness that make each bite interesting and delicious.
- Optional powdered sugar: For a light dusting that gives a pretty, sweet finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking, ensuring your cake will come out perfectly clean and ready to impress.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the cinnamon. This step evenly distributes all the key dry components, so the cinnamon’s flavor is perfectly balanced in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This fluffy base is crucial because it traps air, helping the cake rise to tender perfection.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the eggs one at a time to give the batter structure without deflating the air you created. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is smooth and luscious—this keeps the cake moist and boosts flavor complexity.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. Your batter should be thick and ready for that star ingredient next.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Carefully fold in the chopped apples. They bring a fresh texture and natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the warmly spiced batter.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible as the cinnamon and apples cook into a golden, fragrant cake.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, adding a delicate sweetness and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe with powdered sugar is a classic and elegant choice. For an extra special touch, consider a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a cinnamon-spiced latte to keep those warm autumn vibes going.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, cut the cake into squares and stack them with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon between layers. Alternatively, serve small individual portions in pretty dessert cups topped with candied nuts or a caramel drizzle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness for up to five days without drying it out.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, reheat slices in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Warming enhances the cinnamon aroma and makes the apples even juicier.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet and tart apples, such as Fuji and Granny Smith, adds a perfect balance of flavor and texture to your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe, making every bite more exciting.
Is it possible to substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can swap sour cream with plain yogurt without losing moisture or tanginess. Both options create that signature tender crumb that makes the cake so delightful.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is perfectly baked.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
While the original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can try a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is fantastic warm or at room temperature. Serving it with vanilla ice cream or drizzling caramel sauce makes it an extra indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe enough if you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple to make, bursting with comforting flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s quickly become one of my all-time favorite recipes!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy treat. Made with tender chunks of apples, warm cinnamon, and a buttery cake base, it’s simple to prepare and delightful to enjoy on its own or with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Others
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully integrate them, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
- Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean indicating the cake is done.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
- Try using a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more balanced flavor.
- Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
