If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy, comforting dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of spice and fresh fruit, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is made just for you. Imagine tender, moist cake bursting with juicy apple pieces and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in cinnamon’s gentle hug. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening and is surprisingly simple to whip up, making it your new go-to for sweet gatherings or Sunday treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe plays a vital role in creating its delicious balance of flavors, moisture, and texture. From the richness of butter to the sweetness of brown sugar and the spicy sparkle of cinnamon, every element shines through perfectly.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Provides a creamy richness that makes the cake tender and moist.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization on the cake’s surface.
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like flavor that enhances the cinnamon’s warmth.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure without toughness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise, creating a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines this cake and fills it with warmth.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped and peeled apples: Adds juicy freshness and a natural sweetness that makes each bite exciting.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. This ensures your cake will release easily without losing any of those precious edges.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the white and dark brown sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed. You want to whip it until it’s light and fluffy – this step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cake rise beautifully while giving it a luscious crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the mixture smooth and well combined. Follow that with the vanilla extract, which will elevate the overall flavor, tying all the ingredients together with a sweet, fragrant note.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Apples
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir this dry blend into your wet mixture gently, avoiding overmixing. Then fold in the chopped apples and walnuts, making sure every piece is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will fill your kitchen with a fragrant invitation, and once done, allow it to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar brightens the warm hues of this cake, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast. Toasted walnuts sprinkled on top add extra crunch and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cider or spiced tea, enhancing its cozy spice notes. For a more indulgent dessert experience, serve alongside creamy mascarpone or a drizzle of caramel sauce to make every bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving warm slices of this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe with a caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a rustic yet refined touch. Alternatively, turn it into mini individual cakes baked in ramekins for a charming, personalized dessert that steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator. This will keep the cake moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, ensuring you can savor every last crumb.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe at a later time, freezing is your friend. Slice the cooled cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to thaw whenever you crave that comforting taste.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s fresh-baked deliciousness, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10 minutes. This will bring back the warmth and enhance the inviting aromas you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Absolutely! Apples like Granny Smith add tartness, while Fuji or Gala bring more sweetness. Just choose a firm apple that won’t turn mushy during baking to keep the texture perfect.
What if I don’t have walnuts? Can I leave them out?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts or swap them for pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds. Each will add a unique crunch, but it’s also perfectly delicious without any nuts.
Is it okay to use a different sweetener?
You can substitute the sugars with alternatives like coconut sugar or maple syrup, though this may slightly affect the texture and bake time. It’s best to keep at least some brown sugar to maintain that rich, caramel flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just check the baking soda amount and be mindful that the texture may be a bit different, but the flavor will still shine.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best indicator is when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Also, the cake should start to pull away slightly from the edges of the pan and have a golden brown top.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is a true kitchen hero, effortlessly bringing warmth, comfort, and joy to your table with every crumb. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough to impress at family gatherings or holiday dinners. Once you make it, you’ll see why it becomes a beloved classic you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Print
Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful Cinnamon Apple Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion. Featuring tender chunks of peeled apples and crunchy walnuts, it combines the warm aroma of cinnamon with a soft, buttery crumb. Baked to golden perfection, it’s delightful served warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups chopped and peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar and dark brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Then add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the chopped apples and walnuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Spoon the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes in the pan. Cut into slices and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Chopped walnuts can be substituted or omitted for nut allergies.
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
