Discover how to make a homemade cinnamon apple cake that combines the perfect balance of warm, spiced flavors with tender, moist texture. This recipe is simple yet incredibly delicious, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Apple cake is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion, especially during the fall. This homemade cinnamon apple cake is an easy-to-follow recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll love how simple it is to create this delightful cake from scratch. With a blend of cinnamon, apples, and a touch of vanilla, it’s the perfect treat for any time of day. So, let’s dive into the details of this easy-to-make yet flavorful cake recipe!
Ingredients Needed for Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
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2 cups of all-purpose flour
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1 tsp of baking powder
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1/2 tsp of baking soda
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1/2 tsp of salt
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1 tsp of ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
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1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup of granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp of vanilla extract
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1 cup of whole milk
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2 large apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
What Makes This Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake Special?
The homemade cinnamon apple cake stands out because of its rich, spiced flavor profile and moist texture. The key to achieving the perfect cake lies in using fresh, tart apples that complement the sweetness of the cake batter. Additionally, the warm spice of cinnamon gives this dessert an unmistakable aroma that fills the house. Unlike many cakes, this one features a bit of apple in every bite, which keeps it moist and flavorful.
This recipe is also versatile. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste or even add in a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture. The cake itself is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any complicated steps, making it perfect for beginners. You can also freeze the cake for later use, allowing you to enjoy this treat even when you’re short on time.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10 slices
Why You Will Love This Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
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Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and fresh apples creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
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Simple to Make: With basic ingredients, this cake is quick and easy to prepare.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or a dessert for a special event, this cake fits the bill.
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Moist and Tender: Thanks to the addition of apples, the cake remains incredibly moist, making each bite delightful.
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Versatile: You can make small adjustments to the recipe to suit your taste, such as adding nuts or frosting.
Ingredient Notes for Your Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
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Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results. The tartness balances the sweetness of the cake and provides a great contrast to the cinnamon.
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Butter: For the richest flavor, use unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe slightly.
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Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential to achieve that warm, comforting flavor, but you can also add other spices such as cloves or allspice for a more complex taste.
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Milk: Whole milk will provide a richer flavor, but you can substitute with almond milk or another non-dairy milk if needed.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake (Step-by-Step)
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
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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.
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Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Storage Options for Your Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
If you have leftover cake, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its moist texture. Here’s how:
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At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cool before sealing the container to avoid condensation.
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In the Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep the cake fresh longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
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Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Slice the cake and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Variations and Substitutions for Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
Substitutions for Ingredients:
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Flour: If you’re gluten-sensitive, use a gluten-free flour blend.
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Dairy-Free Options: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk.
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Apples: Feel free to use any apples of your choice, such as Golden Delicious or Fuji, depending on your taste preference.
Regional or Cultural Variations:
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Spices: In some cultures, cardamom or ginger might be added to the spice mix for a unique twist.
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Toppings: You could add a streusel topping for extra crunch and sweetness.
Creative Twists:
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Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delicious crunch.
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Crumble Topping: Create a cinnamon-sugar crumble to sprinkle over the top before baking for added texture and flavor.
Pairings and Accompaniments for Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
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Beverages: This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Sides: Pair it with a light salad or fresh fruit to balance out the richness of the cake.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
When comparing this homemade cinnamon apple cake to other apple-based desserts like apple pie or apple crisp, the main difference lies in the cake’s moist texture and the inclusion of apples directly in the batter. Unlike apple pie, which uses a crust, this cake is soft and spongy, making it an excellent alternative for those who prefer a lighter dessert. While apple crisp focuses on a crunchy topping, this cake maintains a delicate crumb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does homemade apple cake need to be refrigerated?
No, you can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, but refrigerating it can help preserve its freshness for a week.
How much cinnamon is in an apple cake?
Typically, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is used for a balanced flavor, but you can adjust it based on your taste preference.
Why is my apple cake soggy?
Soggy apple cake can result from too much liquid in the batter or overripe apples. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and remove excess moisture from the apples before adding them.
What is a secret ingredient for cakes?
One secret ingredient for extra moistness is sour cream or yogurt. Both help retain moisture and create a tender crumb.
Best Time to Enjoy This Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
This homemade cinnamon apple cake is perfect for any time of day. Enjoy it as a morning breakfast treat with coffee, an afternoon snack with tea, or as a dessert for dinner. It’s especially comforting during the fall months when apples are in season.
Presentation Tips for Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake
Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand to enhance its visual appeal. You can dust the top with a bit of powdered sugar or cinnamon for a lovely finish. For a more elaborate presentation, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this homemade cinnamon apple cake is a must-try recipe that combines the flavors of cinnamon and apple into a moist, delicious dessert. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a simple yet elegant treat that will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dessert, this cake delivers both in taste and appearance.
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