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