Cinnamon Apple Cake

by

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delightful Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe. Moist, flavorful, and packed with the sweetness of apples and the comforting spice of cinnamon, this cake is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon or served as a dessert at your next gathering, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups chopped and peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened butter, sugar, and dark brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
  4. Incorporate Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Serve: Once cooled, slice the cake into portions and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Warm: For an extra cozy experience, warm slices of cinnamon apple cake in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
  2. Pairing Perfection: Enjoy a slice of cake with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider for a delightful afternoon treat.
  3. Whipped Cream Topping: Serve slices of cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added indulgence.
  4. Ice Cream Pairing: Elevate your dessert game by serving warm slices of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream.
  5. Room Temperature: Allow refrigerated cake slices to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
  6. Storage: Store leftover cake slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  7. Freezing Option: To prolong freshness, individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  8. Portable Treat: Pack slices of cake in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a delicious on-the-go snack.
  9. Holiday Dessert: Serve this cake as a festive dessert option during Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
  10. Afternoon Tea: Host a cozy afternoon tea party and serve slices of cinnamon apple cake alongside other sweet treats and savory snacks.
  11. Brunch Addition: Pair slices of cake with a selection of fresh fruit and yogurt for a delightful brunch spread.
  12. Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices of cake in parchment paper and ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
  13. Layered Dessert: Create a stunning layered dessert by alternating slices of cinnamon apple cake with layers of whipped cream and caramel sauce in a trifle dish.
  14. Upside-Down Cake: Turn this recipe into an upside-down cake by arranging sliced apples on the bottom of the cake pan before pouring the batter over them.
  15. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Variations:

  1. Apple Crisp Topping: Sprinkle a mixture of oats, brown sugar, and butter over the cake batter before baking for a crunchy topping.
  2. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake for an extra decadent touch.
  3. Apple Cider Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for a seasonal twist.
  4. Chai Spice: Add chai spice mix to the batter for a warm and aromatic flavor.
  5. Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl softened cream cheese into the cake batter for a tangy contrast to the sweet apples.
  6. Pear and Walnut: Substitute pears for apples and walnuts for pecans for a delicious variation.
  7. Rum Raisin: Soak raisins in rum and fold them into the batter for a boozy twist.
  8. Gingerbread Crumble: Top the cake with a crumble made from gingerbread cookies for a festive touch.
  9. Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon.
  10. Chocolate Chip: Fold chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
  11. Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for a sweet and syrupy finish.
  12. Nutella Swirl: Swirl Nutella into the cake batter for a rich and indulgent treat.
  13. Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a warm and cozy fall flavor.
  14. Blueberry Bliss: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a burst of fruity sweetness.
  15. Almond Streusel: Top the cake with a streusel made from sliced almonds, flour, brown sugar, and butter for added crunch.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, feel free to use your favorite variety of apple or a combination of different types for a varied flavor profile.
  2. Can I omit the nuts? Yes, you can omit the nuts if you prefer or substitute them with a different type of nut such as pecans or almonds.
  3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cake may be slightly different.
  4. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature in an airtight container until ready to serve.
  5. Can I add raisins to the cake batter? Yes, you can add raisins to the batter for extra sweetness and texture. Just make sure to soak them in warm water or rum before adding them to the batter.
  6. Can I use a different type of glaze? Yes, you can customize the glaze to your preference by using flavors such as caramel, maple, or cream cheese.
  7. Can I make this cake in a different pan size? Yes, you can adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly if using a different pan size. Just keep an eye on the cake as it bakes to prevent overcooking.
  8. Can I freeze the cake batter? No, it’s not recommended to freeze cake batter as it may affect the texture and rise of the cake when baked.
  9. Can I substitute butter with oil? Yes, you can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable oil for butter if desired. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.
  10. Can I add spices like nutmeg or cloves to the batter? Yes, feel free to experiment with additional spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to enhance the flavor of the cake. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

With its moist texture, fragrant cinnamon aroma, and chunks of juicy apples in every bite, this Cinnamon Apple Cake is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy treat at home or sharing it with loved ones, this cake is a true celebration of fall flavors. Try baking it today and savor the comforting taste of homemade goodness.