If you love the cozy flavors of fall or simply crave a cake that combines sweet apples with the warmth of cinnamon, then this Cinnamon Apple Cake is about to be your new baking favorite. Each slice is wonderfully moist, with tender bits of apple in every bite, a hint of tang from sour cream, and a delightful cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen long before you take that first bite. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser—whether you serve it at family gatherings, share it with friends over coffee, or savor it as a late-night treat all to yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about making Cinnamon Apple Cake is how it relies on simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating a soft crumb, irresistible flavor, or enticing aroma. Here’s everything you need—and why you need it—to make this delightful dessert shine.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy base and gives the cake its tender, moist crumb.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners ensure your Cinnamon Apple Cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch ties all the flavors together and balances sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, adding warmth and the signature aroma everyone adores.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For a rich, buttery texture and flavor throughout the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps create a perfectly golden crust.
- Eggs: These bring structure and moisture, making every slice hold together beautifully.
- Sour cream: The secret to extra-moist crumb and subtle tang.
- Vanilla extract: Highlights the apple and cinnamon, bringing depth to every bite.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Fresh apples keep the cake juicy, fruity, and bursting with autumn flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): These add a lovely crunch and nutty richness—totally optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s warm and ready for baking. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal—this little step means you’ll get picture-perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step not only evenly distributes the spice, but also promises a soft, even crumb in your Cinnamon Apple Cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light, fluffy, and pale—this airiness is what gives your cake a delicate texture. Don’t rush this step; give it a good few minutes for best results!
Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each fully incorporate before adding the next. Then gently mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract; together, they create a tender crumb and wonderful flavor.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually stir your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix—you want all that air and softness in your final cake.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
With a spatula, gently fold in the chopped apples and, if you like a little crunch, the walnuts or pecans. The apples should be evenly distributed for a moist, fruity bite every time.
Step 7: Bake!
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know your Cinnamon Apple Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and your kitchen smells like pure happiness.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this helps it set up, so every piece comes out beautiful and ready to serve.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes the Cinnamon Apple Cake look irresistibly homey, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm slice will really wow your guests. For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts over the top right before serving.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a steaming mug of spiced tea. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of mixed berries for a bright, fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, farmhouse feel, or cut the Cinnamon Apple Cake into cubes and layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and more apples for a festive trifle. Serving warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce is always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Apple Cake at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to three days. If you want to stretch its freshness a bit longer, store it in the refrigerator—just remember to bring it back to room temperature or gently warm before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Cinnamon Apple Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When a cake craving hits, just thaw a slice on the counter or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm again, pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven. This brings back that fresh-baked taste and makes the apples extra fragrant.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their balanced sweetness and texture, you can use Gala, Fuji, or whatever apples you have on hand. Just avoid overly soft varieties, which might make the cake soggy.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture, but if you don’t mind a bit of rustic charm, you can leave the skins on—the color adds a pretty touch and a bit more fiber.
How do I know when the Cinnamon Apple Cake is done?
Start checking around 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top will be golden and the edges should start to pull away slightly from the pan.
Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour, though the texture may be a bit different. Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it, to help bind the cake.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! For a larger group, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the bake time—it may need an extra 5 to 10 minutes, so check with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
When you share this Cinnamon Apple Cake, you’re not just serving a delicious dessert, you’re inviting everyone to enjoy a slice of comfort and tradition. Whether you bake it for family or treat yourself, this recipe promises warmth and joy in every bite. Give it a try and let the sweet, spicy aroma brighten your kitchen!
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Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Cinnamon Apple Cake. Moist and fragrant, this cake is perfect for dessert or a sweet treat with your morning coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the apples and nuts. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake pairs well with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
