Here’s a delightful Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe that is perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, spiced dessert. It features a moist cake studded with fresh apples and a delicious cinnamon swirl.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
4. Layer the Batter:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top.
5. Swirl the Mixture:
- Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. This cake is delicious on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips:
- Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!