Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake
Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Cozy, Autumn-Inspired Treat
Nothing quite says cozy autumn like the aroma of warm cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen. This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a heartwarming delight that combines the sweetness of fresh apples with the comforting spice of cinnamon. Perfect for a weekend family gathering, a chilly weekday evening, or even as a delightful dessert to impress your friends at a potluck. Every slice brings back memories of crisp fall days and cozy nights spent indoors.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake. First off, it’s incredibly simple and can be made with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s also budget-friendly—who doesn’t love an upscale-tasting dessert that won’t break the bank? This recipe is not only delicious; it’s the kind of cake that invites everyone to the table, especially when you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
“I made this cake for a family dinner, and it disappeared in no time! The combination of apples and cinnamon is a winner, and the walnuts add a lovely crunch. Definitely a recipe to keep!” – A Happy Baker
How this recipe comes together
Making this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is as straightforward as it is rewarding. You’ll start by preheating your oven, followed by a little mixing magic as you blend the wet ingredients. Then, you’ll whisk together the dry ingredients before bringing them together to form a delicious batter. The pièce de resistance comes when you fold in those juicy apple chunks and crunchy walnuts—your kitchen will be filled with the most irresistible aromas! Finally, the cake bakes to golden perfection before you let it cool and indulge.
What you’ll need
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped apples (peeled, about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Feel free to swap out the walnuts for pecans if desired, or keep it nut-free for a family-friendly dessert!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice into wedges and serve. Elevate your dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Best ways to enjoy it
This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is versatile enough to serve on its own, warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a more indulgent experience, consider topping each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling extra festive, a light caramel drizzle can elevate its flavors even further, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge or leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
Helpful cooking tips
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing—this helps achieve that fluffy texture.
- You can use any variety of apples you prefer; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work beautifully in this cake.
- Want a little extra spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm flavor contrast.
Creative twists
This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Try adding dried cranberries or raisins for a delightful twist. You can also swap half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, or even try a dash of maple syrup instead of some of the sugar for a different layer of sweetness.
Your questions answered
-
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process, including baking, takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your kitchen setup. -
Can I use other nuts or omit them?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans, or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. -
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! Any firm apples will do. They add a lovely texture and flavor to the cake.
Try this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake and embrace the flavors of the season in each warm, delicious bite!
Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened) Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs Add one at a time.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour You can swap half with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups chopped apples (peeled) About 2 medium apples.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Can substitute with pecans or omit for a nut-free version.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice into wedges and serve. Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
