There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the combination of cinnamon, sugar, and apples. The aroma of apples baking in a cake, dusted with a sweet, cinnamon-sugar topping, fills the house with warmth and a sense of comfort. I remember the first time I tried making a cinnamon sugar apple cake— I was a novice baker, excited but nervous. The recipe seemed easy enough, and I had all the ingredients at home, but I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. As the cake baked, I anxiously waited, my stomach doing flips with anticipation. When I pulled it out of the oven and took that first bite, I was met with a soft, sweet, and slightly tangy bite of heaven. I couldn’t believe how easy it was! From that moment on, this recipe became one of my go-to’s, and I couldn’t wait to share it with others.
PrintCinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe – A Perfect Dessert for Beginners
Treat yourself to a slice of heaven with Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake! 🍏✨ The sweet, spiced aroma of cinnamon, paired with tender apples, makes this cake an irresistible dessert for any occasion. 🎂 Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or an afternoon snack, this cake is perfect for beginners and packed with flavors you’ll love! 😋 The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch, making each bite even more delicious. 🍎 Who’s ready to enjoy this warm, comforting dessert? 💖 #CinnamonAppleCake #FallDesserts #SimpleBaking #BeginnerFriendly #AppleGoodness #SweetAndSpicy #CinnamonSugarLove #HomemadeDelight #DeliciousDesserts #BakingJoy 🍏
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake. For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what will help your cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with the leavening process and gives your cake a slightly lighter texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice adds that signature cinnamon flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The butter brings richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk: Buttermilk will make the cake a bit tangier and softer. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk works just as well.
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples: Use any type of apple you prefer. Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness, but Fuji or Gala apples offer a sweeter flavor.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cinnamon topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The cinnamon adds a wonderful spice to the sugar topping.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the cinnamon and sugar together and creates a lovely crispy layer on top of the cake.
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your cake. While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step is important because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and the cinnamon throughout the cake batter. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. The butter should be warm, but not too hot, to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start by adding a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk, then another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining milk, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could result in a dense cake.
5. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, but try not to overwork the mixture. The apples will add moisture and a burst of flavor to each bite.
6. Pour into the Pan:
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. The batter will be thick, but it should spread easily.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Mix well. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake batter, and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown, and the top will have a slightly crispy texture from the cinnamon sugar topping.
9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This short cooling time helps the cake set, making it easier to slice. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Notes
- Troubleshooting: If you find that the cake is overbaking or becoming too brown on top, you can tent it with aluminum foil about 20 minutes into baking to prevent it from browning too quickly.
- Substituting Apples: If you prefer a different flavor, pears or peaches can be used in place of apples. Just keep in mind that the texture of the cake may vary slightly.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk up to the 1/2 cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers because it’s simple, quick, and adaptable. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward. Best of all, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to sharing with friends over coffee. It’s both delicious and nutritious, thanks to the addition of apples. And the cinnamon-sugar topping? Pure magic. Let’s dive in and break down the recipe for you!
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to baking, Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is the perfect recipe to start with. Here’s why:
- Simplicity: This recipe uses simple, common ingredients that most kitchens already have. There’s no need for complex techniques or fancy equipment. All you need is a bowl, a whisk, and a baking pan, and you’re good to go.
- Time Efficiency: The prep time is only about 15 minutes, and it bakes in just 35-40 minutes. That means you can have a fresh, homemade dessert in under an hour.
- Health Benefits: The apples provide a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, making it a healthier alternative to many other sugary desserts. Plus, apples are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- No-Fail Outcome: This recipe is forgiving. Even if you’re still learning the ropes in the kitchen, chances are this cake will turn out great the first time you try it.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients in place. This recipe calls for:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake. For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what will help your cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with the leavening process and gives your cake a slightly lighter texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice adds that signature cinnamon flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The butter brings richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk: Buttermilk will make the cake a bit tangier and softer. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk works just as well.
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples: Use any type of apple you prefer. Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness, but Fuji or Gala apples offer a sweeter flavor.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cinnamon topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The cinnamon adds a wonderful spice to the sugar topping.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the cinnamon and sugar together and creates a lovely crispy layer on top of the cake.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just reduce the amount of salt in the cake.
- If you want to make the cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead.
- You can also experiment with using brown sugar in place of granulated sugar for a slightly caramelized flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s go through the steps of making this simple and delicious cake.
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake your cake. While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step is important because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and the cinnamon throughout the cake batter. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. The butter should be warm, but not too hot, to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start by adding a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk, then another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining milk, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could result in a dense cake.
5. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples. The apples should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, but try not to overwork the mixture. The apples will add moisture and a burst of flavor to each bite.
6. Pour into the Pan:
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. The batter will be thick, but it should spread easily.
7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Mix well. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake batter, and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown, and the top will have a slightly crispy texture from the cinnamon sugar topping.
9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This short cooling time helps the cake set, making it easier to slice. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Troubleshooting: If you find that the cake is overbaking or becoming too brown on top, you can tent it with aluminum foil about 20 minutes into baking to prevent it from browning too quickly.
- Substituting Apples: If you prefer a different flavor, pears or peaches can be used in place of apples. Just keep in mind that the texture of the cake may vary slightly.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk up to the 1/2 cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using.
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate it for a special occasion or family gathering:
- Serve with Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm spiced cake, creating a contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Add a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice of cake before serving.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and a creamy balance to the rich cake.
Storage Tips
- Leftovers: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake can also be refrigerated for up to a week if you prefer it cold.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make the cake in advance, this cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Engagement Features
This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is sure to become a favorite in your home, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet snack. I hope this recipe has inspired you to get baking in the kitchen! I’d love to hear how your cake turns out. Have you tried any variations, or perhaps you’ve paired it with a unique side or topping? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Remember, baking is all about experimentation and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by adjusting flavors, ingredients, or toppings. Happy baking!