Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake: Simple Recipe & Baking Tips

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake: just the name conjures up images of cozy autumn afternoons, the scent of warm spices filling the air, and a slice of pure, comforting bliss. Have you ever craved a dessert that’s both incredibly simple to make and utterly irresistible? This is it! Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; this cake is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Apple cake, in its various forms, has been a beloved treat for centuries, with roots tracing back to European traditions where apples were plentiful and baking was a way to preserve the harvest. The addition of cinnamon elevates this classic to a whole new level, adding a warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy apples. It’s a flavor combination that has stood the test of time, and for good reason!

What makes this easy cinnamon apple cake so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of textures – a moist, tender crumb studded with soft, sweet apple pieces, all topped with a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste? Pure heaven. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, or even as a comforting breakfast. It’s the kind of cake that brings people together and creates lasting memories. I know you’ll love it!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 4 medium apples, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix work well)

Preparing the Apple Cake Batter

Okay, let’s get started! This cinnamon apple cake is seriously one of my favorites, especially when the weather starts to cool down. The aroma alone is worth the effort!

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use a baking spray that already has flour in it – it makes life so much easier! But if you don’t have that, just grease the pan with butter or shortening and then dust it with flour, tapping out any excess. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake. I usually whisk for about 30 seconds to a minute.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step, so don’t rush it! It usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. You want the mixture to be pale and airy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps to create a tender cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake and complements the cinnamon and apple notes.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. So, add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Then, add half of the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, followed by the remaining buttermilk. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
6. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Make sure the apples are coated with the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

Baking the Cinnamon Apple Cake

Now for the best part – baking! The aroma that fills your kitchen while this cake bakes is simply divine.

1. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 35 minutes. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched.
3. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and allows it to cool evenly.

Optional: Cinnamon Glaze

While the cake is delicious on its own, a simple cinnamon glaze takes it to the next level! Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients for Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or more, as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions for Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I like my glaze to be thick enough to coat the cake but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Drizzle over Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storage

This cinnamon apple cake is best served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also dust it with a little extra cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this cake even more amazing:

• Apple Variety: Experiment with different types of apples! Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake, while Honeycrisp apples add a touch of sweetness and crispness. A mix of different apple varieties is also a great option.
• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the cake with caramel sauce instead of or in addition to the cinnamon glaze.
• Spiced Rum: Add a tablespoon of spiced rum to the batter for a boozy kick.
• Brown Sugar: Substitute 1 cup of brown sugar for 1 cup of granulated sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavor.
• Sour Cream: Substitute sour cream for the buttermilk for a tangier cake.
• Streusel Topping: For an extra-special treat, add a streusel topping to the cake before baking. To make the streusel, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces), and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the cake before baking.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Cake is Dry: Make sure you’re not overbaking the cake. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes. Also, make sure you’re using the correct amount of butter and buttermilk.
• Cake is Dense: Avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh.
• Apples Sink to the Bottom: Make sure the apples are coated with the batter before baking. You can also toss the apples with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter.
• Cake Sticks to the Pan: Make sure you grease and flour the pan thoroughly. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

I hope you enjoy this easy cinnamon apple cake as much as I do! It’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and a moist, tender crumb creates a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert on a chilly evening, a delightful treat to share with friends and family, or simply a little something to brighten your day, this cake delivers on all fronts. It’s incredibly simple to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and the result is a cake that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The aroma alone, as it bakes, will fill your home with a cozy and inviting scent that’s simply irresistible.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smiths will add a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples will enhance the overall sweetness and provide a satisfying crunch. You could even try a mix of both for a more complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: This is a classic pairing that never fails to impress. The cold ice cream melts slightly over the warm cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
* Drizzled with caramel sauce: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice. The rich, buttery flavor of the caramel complements the cinnamon and apples perfectly.
* Topped with a dollop of whipped cream: A light and airy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and balances the richness of the cake.
* Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter for a nutty crunch and added depth of flavor.
* Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or cloves can enhance the warm, spicy notes of the cake.
* Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious and inclusive treat.
* Turn it into muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins for individual servings that are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Adjust baking time accordingly.

I truly believe that this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for sharing, and it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The simplicity of the recipe makes it approachable for even novice bakers, while the delicious results will impress even the most discerning palates.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve baked your own Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what your family and friends thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy baking!