Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
There is something wonderfully comforting about the Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake. This cake captures the cozy essence of spiced apples wrapped in a tender crumb, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s like biting into fall itself, with the sweetness of warm cinnamon and the tart, juicy bites of fresh apples all folded into a moist, fluffy cake. Best of all, it’s effortlessly approachable for bakers of all levels, so whether you’re craving a homemade treat or hosting friends for coffee, this recipe quickly becomes a beloved staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake. Each one plays a vital role, from flavor and texture to just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
- 1 ¼ cups chopped apples: Peeled apples bring a natural sweetness and juicy texture that make the cake moist and fresh.
- ¼ cup softened butter: Adds richness and tenderness for that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- ¼ cup sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness.
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and aromatic depth.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, comforting aroma.
- 1 and a quarter cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its body without weighing it down.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature once your batter is ready. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or a bit of butter to guarantee your cake will slide right out after baking, keeping its beauty intact.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This process is key for a tender crumb and a cake that rises beautifully. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain that smooth, airy batter. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to introduce a subtle richness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well blended. This evenly distributes the leavening agent and spices, ensuring that each bite is perfectly spiced and the cake rises uniformly.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients into your butter and sugar mixture on low speed just until combined. Overmixing here can make your cake tough, so gentle and gradual incorporation is the trick. Then, carefully fold in the chopped apples and walnuts, making sure they’re spread evenly throughout the batter to add juicy pockets and crunch to every slice.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
Step 6: Cool and Unmold
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps it set up nicely before you turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully ensures your slices hold together perfectly and flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once cooled, slice your cake into generous wedges. This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake truly shines when shared, whether as a snack or a dessert.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake
Garnishes
Enhance your serving by dusting the top with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a charming, rustic look. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate every bite and bring a touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple side of Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea also complements the flavors perfectly on chilly afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful brunch addition, serve slices alongside a small bowl of cinnamon-spiced crème fraîche or spread on a smear of cream cheese frosting. You can also cut the cake into mini squares and serve on a platter for gatherings, making it easy for guests to enjoy without forks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake covered at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. If your kitchen feels warm, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last up to a week.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully, making it easy to enjoy later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or refrigerated slices, warm them gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked feeling and amp up the comforting aromas of cinnamon and apples.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples all work beautifully. Just choose apples you enjoy eating fresh since their texture and flavor shine through in the cake.
Do I have to use walnuts, or can I substitute other nuts?
Walnuts add a lovely crunch and flavor, but pecans or almonds make great substitutes if walnuts aren’t your favorite. You can also leave nuts out entirely if preferred.
Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can try a gluten-free baking blend that substitutes cup for cup. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
How long does the Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake stay fresh?
If stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, it should remain fresh for about two days. Refrigeration can extend this up to a week.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
To make this cake vegan or dairy-free, you can swap butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs or another egg substitute. The texture might change slightly but the flavors will still be delightful.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is like hugging your taste buds with comfort and warmth. It’s a simple, approachable recipe that yields a cake full of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Whether you’re gifting slices or savoring them yourself, this cake quickly becomes a cherished classic. So, grab those apples and cinnamon, and get baking — you won’t regret it!
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Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with warm cinnamon spices. Perfect for a quick treat or cozy dessert, this cake features chopped apples and walnuts folded into a tender batter, creating a delightful texture and taste that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Sweeteners
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
Add-ins
- 1 ¼ cups chopped apples (peeled, approximately 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then mix in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a low mixer speed until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Fold In Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold the chopped peeled apples and walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overworking the mixture which can lead to a dense cake.
- Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean without any wet batter.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to set, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake finish firming up and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice the cake into wedges and serve. For an extra indulgence, pair it with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for a delightful treat.
Notes
- Peeling the apples helps achieve a smoother texture in the cake, but you can leave the peel on for added fiber and rustic texture if preferred.
- Use fresh walnuts and toast them lightly if desired to enhance their flavor before adding to the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter when adding dry ingredients, as this can make the cake tough.
- Check the cake starting at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking; oven temperatures vary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon cake, easy cake recipe, quick dessert, walnut apple cake, fall desserts
