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Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful autumn dessert featuring tender apples and warm cinnamon spices. Perfect for cozy gatherings or comforting treats, this cake is topped with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar crust for a delightful crunch. Its versatility allows for gluten-free, vegan, and nutty variations, making it suitable for diverse tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted for lightness
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

For the Topping

  • 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking. Gather all ingredients before starting.
  2. Mix the Dry Stuff: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined for even distribution and a fluffy cake texture.
  3. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine and Fold: Alternately add the dry mixture and the whole milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid a tough cake. Fold in the diced apples carefully with a spatula to distribute them evenly.
  5. Add the Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the batter to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
  6. Bake and Cool: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Avoid rushing to prevent burns and ensure the cake sets perfectly.

Notes

  • For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
  • Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
  • To make vegan, substitute plant-based butter, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and replace milk with almond milk.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
  • Top with homemade caramel sauce after baking for added richness.
  • Try mixing blueberries or cranberries with the apples for a tart contrast.
  • Double the topping ingredients for a thicker streusel-style topping, perfect for brunch.

Keywords: easy apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, moist apple cake, autumn dessert, cinnamon cake, homemade cake, fall baking

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/easy-cinnamon-apple-cake-recipe/