Cinnamon sugar apple cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar, and the crispness of apples. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in. Its moist texture and flavorful layers make it a favorite among dessert lovers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delectable treat.
Ingredients
To make a cinnamon sugar apple cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Add the Apples
Gently fold in the sliced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
Step 9: Bake the Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should spring back when lightly pressed.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Success
Choosing the Right Apples: Opt for firm apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
Even Slicing: Slice the apples thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through properly and distribute evenly in the cake.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Cinnamon sugar apple cake is a comforting and delicious dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of tender cake, sweet apples, and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping makes it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of cinnamon and apples in every bite.
Variations and Additions
If you’re looking to put a twist on the classic cinnamon sugar apple cake, here are a few variations and additions to consider:
Nutty Delight
Add a crunchy texture by incorporating chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter. About 1/2 cup of nuts should suffice. You can also sprinkle some on top along with the cinnamon sugar mixture for added crunch.
Caramel Drizzle
Enhance the cake’s sweetness with a caramel drizzle. Simply melt some store-bought caramel or make your own by heating sugar, butter, and cream until smooth and golden. Drizzle the caramel over the cooled cake just before serving.
Spiced Up
Experiment with different spices to give your cake a unique flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of cloves, allspice, or cardamom to the dry ingredients. These spices complement the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
Fruit Mix
While apples are the star of this cake, you can mix in other fruits for a delicious twist. Pears, peaches, or even berries can be added to the batter for a different fruity experience. Just ensure the fruit is well-drained if using canned or frozen varieties.
Cream Cheese Frosting
For an extra layer of indulgence, top the cake with a simple cream cheese frosting. Beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this over the cooled cake for a tangy and sweet finish.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon sugar apple cake can be served in various ways, making it versatile for different occasions:
Classic Slice: Serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation.
A la Mode: Top a warm slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream is delightful.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy element that pairs well with the cake’s rich flavors.
With Coffee or Tea: This cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon snack paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Cinnamon sugar apple cake is a timeless dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of fall with the sweetness of fresh apples and warm spices. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!
Printable Recipe Card
Here’s a handy recipe card for you to print and keep:
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
Fold in sliced apples.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Combine cinnamon and sugar for the topping and sprinkle over the batter.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect your cinnamon sugar apple cake:
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
However, be mindful that the texture might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
To prevent the apple slices from sinking, you can toss them in a bit of the flour mixture before folding them into the batter. This helps the apples stay suspended throughout the cake.
Can I make this cake in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a bundt pan, round cake pans, or even a loaf pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. A bundt pan or loaf pan might require a longer baking time, while smaller round pans might need a shorter one.
How can I make the cake more moist?
The buttermilk and the apples help keep this cake moist. However, if you find it’s not moist enough, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or a couple of tablespoons of applesauce to the batter.
Nutritional Information
Here is the approximate nutritional information for a serving of cinnamon sugar apple cake, based on a 9×13-inch pan cut into 12 pieces:
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 4g
These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and any additional toppings or variations.
Final Tips
Patience is Key: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, you can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar, add a few apple slices on top, or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Flavor Boost: For an extra boost of flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. The citrusy note complements the apples and cinnamon wonderfully.
Baking a cinnamon sugar apple cake is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and yields a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert. This cake is perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve great results.
Enjoy the process of baking and savor each bite of this delightful cake!