The arrival of fall brings with it a craving for warm, comforting desserts that fill the house with the sweet aroma of spices and fruits. One such beloved treat is the Cinnamon Apple Cake. This cake is a celebration of the season, combining the tartness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon in a moist, tender cake. My first encounter with this cake was at a family gathering, where my grandmother served it fresh out of the oven, its inviting scent wafting through the house. It quickly became a family favorite, and I have since cherished the recipe, baking it every autumn to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
3 cups diced apples (peeled)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature before you begin mixing the ingredients is crucial for even baking.
Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the dish and make it easier to remove once baked.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined to ensure even distribution throughout the cake batter.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs until they are well blended. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the cake light and fluffy.
Add Milk, Oil, and Vanilla: To the beaten eggs, add 1 1/4 cups of milk, 2/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
Incorporate the Apples
Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in 3 cups of diced, peeled apples into the batter. The apples add moisture and a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Bake the Cake
Pour Batter into Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This ensures that the cake bakes uniformly.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes. This makes it easier to cut and helps the flavors to meld together.
Optional Toppings: Before serving, you can dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Alternatively, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk, and substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly cake.
Nutty Addition: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Spiced Up: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add other spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a spicier version.
Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and replace half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Apple Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting embrace of flavors that brings warmth to any gathering. Its combination of moist cake, tender apples, and aromatic cinnamon makes it a timeless favorite. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning, as an afternoon snack, or as a delightful end to a meal, this cake is sure to satisfy. Baking it at home not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also allows you to share a slice of happiness with loved ones. So go ahead, embrace the autumn spirit, and indulge in the simple pleasures of homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake. Happy baking!