Picture biting into a tender, fragrant slice that captures everything comforting about homemade baking: that’s the magic of Cinnamon Apple Cake. With its soft crumb, cozy notes of cinnamon, and juicy apple pockets in every bite, this cake brings homestyle charm to your table. Whether it’s the centerpiece at fall gatherings or a simple afternoon treat, Cinnamon Apple Cake is a reliable go-to for anyone craving a hug-in-dessert-form—warm, aromatic, and just the right kind of sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking Cinnamon Apple Cake is refreshingly straightforward, relying on everyday pantry staples to create pure sweet joy. Each ingredient plays a special role, from boosting tenderness to providing irresistible flavor and aroma.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure while keeping the crumb soft and satisfying.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Baking soda: Adds a little extra lift and balances the tang from the sour cream.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the cake from tasting flat.
- Ground cinnamon: The backbone of this cake’s aromatic warmth—don’t skimp!
- Unsalted butter: Gives a rich, tender base; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a light, airy texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle caramel hint for coziness in every bite.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cake lift and stability.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a sweet, mellow fragrance that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
- Sour cream: Keeps the crumb moist and offers a gentle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Apples: Bring juicy bursts and a fresh, fruity flavor—tart apples make the cake sing.
- Milk: Helps loosen up the batter so every forkful turns out extra tender.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and either grease it with a little butter or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your Cinnamon Apple Cake will come out easily, looking picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and of course, ground cinnamon. Taking a moment to blend these dry ingredients ensures even flavors and a fluffy, tender crumb in your finished cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated and brown sugars. Beat the mixture until it looks pale and fluffy—this step whips in air, which helps your cake rise and sets the stage for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, and mix until the batter is silky-smooth. This is where you start to see all those comfort flavors come together.
Step 5: Mix and Build the Batter
Now it’s time to bring everything together: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the milk to your wet ingredients, mixing gently and just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so take it easy for the best Cinnamon Apple Cake results.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples. These juicy bits will dot your cake with bursts of fresh, appley flavor. Using tart apples adds a pleasant contrast to the sweet, spiced batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool before slicing, so you don’t lose those neat squares.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Cinnamon Apple Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look, or drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence. A cascade of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream prettily melting over a warm slice is hard to resist. Pair your cake with a dollop of whipped cream, or serve alongside fresh apple slices for a fruit-forward finish. For an autumn vibe, a steaming mug of spiced chai or coffee rounds out a cozy dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try baking Cinnamon Apple Cake as individual cupcakes or mini loaves for grab-and-go servings. Turn it into a trifle by layering cubes of cake with more apples and whipped cream, or serve each piece topped with a swirl of cinnamon butter for a bakery-style flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Apple Cake super fresh by wrapping it tightly or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop it into the fridge, where it keeps nicely for about a week.
Freezing
For even longer storage, cut the cake into individual squares, wrap each well in plastic, and place them in a freezer bag. The cake freezes remarkably well for up to three months. Just thaw slices overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy Cinnamon Apple Cake as if it’s fresh from the oven, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a 325°F (165°C) oven for a few minutes. The apples will taste juicy and the crumb will soften right up—just like day one!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While tart varieties like Granny Smith really brighten up Cinnamon Apple Cake, feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand. Just remember that sweeter apples may yield a softer, juicier texture and add extra natural sweetness.
Can I make Cinnamon Apple Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and remember that results may vary slightly based on the brand used.
Is it possible to add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of raisins blend beautifully into this recipe. Just fold them in with the apples for a little crunch and extra bursts of flavor in your Cinnamon Apple Cake.
Can I bake this cake ahead for a party?
Cinnamon Apple Cake actually gets even tastier the next day as the flavors meld. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert—just store it covered and slice it right before serving for that just-baked appeal.
What’s the best way to keep the cake moist?
Using sour cream and just the right amount of butter guarantees a moist crumb, but storing the cooled cake tightly wrapped is key. If you notice it drying out, a quick microwave zap can help revive that moistness.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much heart in a homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake, and now you’re fully equipped to whip up this classic comfort treat whenever the mood strikes. Whether you’re baking it for loved ones or sneaking a slice for yourself with afternoon coffee, I have a feeling it’ll become a cozy favorite in your kitchen, too.
Print
Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of this delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake. Moist, tender cake studded with sweet apples and aromatic cinnamon, perfect for a cozy dessert or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients and milk, alternating, until just combined. Fold in apples.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Use tart apples for a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
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