Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re craving the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls but want the simplicity of a cake, this Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake is the perfect recipe to try. This cake brings together the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and a moist, tender crumb, all finished with a luscious glaze. It’s a wonderful dessert for gatherings or a cozy treat to enjoy with your morning coffee. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% milk works best)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart balance)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency, start with 5)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter, then lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, granulated sugar, and baking powder. These dry ingredients form the base of your cake batter.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring with a whisk or electric mixer until combined. The batter will be thick but smooth.
4. Slowly add the melted butter into the batter while stirring. Make sure the butter is fully incorporated for a rich, moist texture.
5. Finally, fold in the diced apples. The apples add moisture and a burst of sweetness with every bite, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.

2. Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until a thick, smooth cinnamon paste forms.
2. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter in the prepared baking dish. Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect. This step is what gives the cake its cinnamon roll-like flavor.

3. Bake:

1. Pour the batter into the baking dish, ensuring it spreads out evenly.
2. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
3. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan. You want the cake warm but not hot when applying the glaze.

4. Prepare the Glaze:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or more powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
2. Pour the glaze over the warm cake, ensuring it covers every inch. The glaze will seep into the cinnamon swirls, adding sweetness and moisture to the entire cake.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

This cake is best served slightly warm, allowing the glaze to set but still soft enough to enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The apple cinnamon roll cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

 

Tips & Variations:

• Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are great for this recipe because their tartness contrasts with the sweetness of the cake, but you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
• Spices: If you love warm spices, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon filling for a deeper flavor.
• Make Ahead: This cake stays moist and flavorful for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick treat later.

This Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake is an excellent fusion of cake and classic cinnamon rolls with the added freshness of apples. It’s perfect for fall baking, holidays, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something delicious. The cake’s light crumb, combined with the rich cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze, creates a dessert you won’t soon forget!