Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweet-tart flavor of apples. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through each step to create a delicious homemade treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Topping:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preparing the Cake Batter

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a bundt pan, ensuring all sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed with an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Baking the Cake

Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.

Drizzle with Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the sugar topping. This will create a delicious, crispy topping as the cake bakes.
Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so start checking at the 45-minute mark.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Glaze

Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake

Choosing the Right Apples

For this recipe, it’s best to use apples that hold up well during baking. Varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are excellent choices. These apples offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness and won’t turn mushy in the oven.

Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start baking. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a uniform batter and a better-textured cake.

Avoid Overmixing

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Folding in the apples gently will help maintain the light and airy texture of the cake.

Cooling the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This resting period helps the cake set, making it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.

Making the Glaze

For a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner, more drizzly glaze, add a bit more milk. Adjust the consistency to your liking, and remember to drizzle the glaze over a completely cooled cake to prevent it from melting into the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour. However, using whole wheat flour or other denser flours will change the texture of the cake. If you decide to use an alternative flour, you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.

Can I add nuts to the cake?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to the cake. Simply fold in about 1/2 cup of nuts with the apples.

How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These alternatives will provide a similar moisture and tanginess to the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure to the cake.

What if I want to make cupcakes instead of a cake?

You can easily turn this recipe into cupcakes. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about 2/3 full with batter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, grease and flour the cake pan thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan for easier removal.

Enjoy baking and savoring this delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake, a perfect blend of fall flavors and comforting sweetness!