There’s nothing quite like the warm and inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen. The Cinnamon Apple Cake is the perfect dessert to capture the essence of comfort and coziness, making it ideal for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply indulging in a sweet treat. This moist and tender cake combines the sweetness of apples with the spicy kick of cinnamon, all wrapped in a buttery, crumbly delight. With an easy-to-follow recipe, you can have this delicious cake ready to impress in just a little over an hour.
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon and sugar until evenly coated.
- Layer the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the apple mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, smoothing it out to cover the apples.
- Make the Crumb Topping:
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse sand. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake.
- Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the aroma should be irresistible.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the comfort of a homemade dessert. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you serve it as a dessert, a snack, or even a cozy breakfast treat, every bite promises to delight. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and let your kitchen fill with the magical aroma of this irresistible cake. Enjoy!