There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm, fragrant slice of homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe fresh from the oven. This delightful dessert blends tender apples with a perfect swirl of cinnamon and the subtle crunch of walnuts, creating a cozy flavor experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Sweet, spiced, and wonderfully moist, this cake is a family favorite that effortlessly transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, the Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe will soon become your go-to for sharing joy and deliciousness with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a beautifully balanced flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the softness of the butter to the gentle warmth of cinnamon and the juicy sweetness of apples.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: This adds richness and moisture, making the cake super tender.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with golden browning on the cake’s surface.
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel flavor and enhances the cake’s moist texture.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the fluffiness of the cake.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s structure, giving it a light yet sturdy crumb.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully, keeping it light and airy.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that adds warmth and incredible aroma to the cake.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped and peeled apples: About 2 medium apples, they provide juicy pockets of sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty depth to complement the soft cake.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F. Make sure to spray a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray so your cake won’t stick and will come out with a beautiful crust. This simple step is key to a hassle-free baking process and perfect presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter along with both sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color—that’s the secret to an airy cake! Then, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which subtly boosts the cake’s rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Apples
Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to your wet mixture, folding everything together gently. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your cake to stay tender. Finally, fold in the chopped apples and walnuts evenly; their textures and flavors will make every bite an exciting surprise.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As your kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and apples, the anticipation will make your reward even sweeter. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best things about this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is how versatile it is when it comes to garnishing. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness. For a luxurious finish, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Toasted walnuts or even a drizzle of caramel sauce brings a delightful contrast and extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness and spice. If you’re hosting, a cheese platter with mild cheeses can also be a heavenly companion to the flavors in this cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like impressing your guests? Try turning this cake into mini individual servings by baking in muffin tins or small ramekins for personal delights. Layer slices with cream cheese frosting and fresh apple slices for a stunning trifle. You could even transform leftovers into decadent French toast for a second day treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap your Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crumb moist and the flavors fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating is a smart choice and will keep the cake fresh for about four days.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that freshly baked warmth. For a crispier exterior, pop a slice in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Either way, the soft apples and cinnamon scent will feel like a comforting hug in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best, as they hold their shape and add just the right amount of tartness or sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have allergies?
You can swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for crunch. If you need to avoid nuts altogether, omit them and add a little extra apple or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for texture.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free too for a safe and delicious alternative.
Can I add extra spices to the recipe?
Definitely. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile. Just be careful not to overpower the apples’ natural flavor.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best test is a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. If it’s wet with batter, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples, this Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s an easy-to-make, heartwarming dessert that never fails to bring smiles and compliments. I promise once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe to share with family and friends, making any day feel just a bit sweeter.
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 Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender chunks of apples and crunchy walnuts, combined with warm cinnamon spice and a light, fluffy texture, this cake is delicious served warm, especially alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped and peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter along with the white and dark brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the batter and ensures a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate step or directly add to the wet mixture, stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold the chopped peeled apples and walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing to keep the texture perfect.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top if needed. 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 in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into slices and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for best texture and flavor balance.
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- Chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch; feel free to substitute with pecans if preferred.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat.
