Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Introduction

This easy cinnamon apple cake is a delightful treat that combines warm spices and tender apples in every bite. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a simple dessert, it’s moist, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped apples (peeled, about 2 medium apples)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round baking pan by spraying with non-stick spray or greasing lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: Slice into wedges and serve. Enjoy plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves along with the cinnamon for additional warm spice flavor.
• To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apples with the skin on?

Yes, you can leave the skin on if you prefer. Just make sure to wash the apples thoroughly. The skin adds a bit more texture and nutrients.

Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

Yes, you can use an 8-inch pan, but you may need to increase baking time slightly. Check doneness with a toothpick after 45 minutes and adjust as needed.

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting treat. Featuring a blend of warm cinnamon, tender chopped apples, and crunchy walnuts, this cake is simple to make and bakes to a golden perfection. It’s perfect served plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Mix-ins

• 1 1/2 cups chopped apples (peeled, about 2 medium apples)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with butter or coat it with non-stick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
2. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and dark brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air for a light texture. Stir in the vanilla extract to add sweetness and depth of flavor.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed to prevent overmixing, just until all flour is absorbed.
4. Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold the chopped peeled apples and walnuts into the batter. Mixing by hand helps to distribute them evenly without breaking down the fruit.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick in the cake’s center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain its texture and prevents sogginess.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the cake into wedges. This cinnamon apple cake is delicious on its own or can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to create the best batter texture.
• Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
• Chopped walnuts can be substituted with pecans or omitted for nut-free versions.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This cake freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Keywords: Cinnamon Apple Cake, Easy Apple Cake, Fall Dessert, Homemade Cake, Autumn Recipe, Walnut Cake, Quick Cake Recipe