Apples and cinnamon wafting through the house are always as comforting as they are. It is a scent that immediately reminds one of Family gatherings during autumn evenings, warm winter holidays and family baking events. This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is the type of traditional recipes that can make any moment feel warm and delightful.Whether it’s a quick afternoon treat together with some tea or a chocolate dessert served to your guests, this cake will always stand out.
Back in my grandmother’s cooking room is where I first met this recipe. She could create wonders with little ingredients, and her apple cake was not an exception. The cake always came out moist with small apple pieces in it and the taste of cinnamon was out of this world. I have made this cake many times over the years, adjusting it a little bit here and there, to make it even easier and tastier. Now it is a familiar flavor in my house and today I have decided to share it with you.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped and peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat the Oven:
An oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) should be set before using it so that your cake can bake uniformly.
Grease the Pan:
Cover the inside of a 9-inch round baking pan using non-stick spray. This ensures that your cake doesn’t stick while making it easier to remove after baking is done.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup each of sugar and dark brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is usually about 2-3 minutes long.
Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition in order to keep the mixture smooth and creamy.
Stir in the Vanilla Extract
Add 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the batter and mix it together. This provides taste enhancement.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups), baking soda (1 teaspoon), ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon), and salt (1/4 teaspoon). This allows even distribution leavening agents & spices throughout flour.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add this dry mix into your butter-sugar mixture while running on a low speed until just incorporated.Remember not to overwork it as this would lead to tougher cakes.
Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Gently fold in 1 1/2 cup chopped peeled apples along with 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. The chopped apples help in moistening and flavoring the batter evenly while the walnuts add a nice crunchy twist to it.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Transfer to the Pan:
Take a spatula and spread out the batter in an already greased 9-inch round cake pan.
Bake:
Put it inside the pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean.This cake takes about 40-45 minutes depending on how long your oven bakes so be sure to check from 40 minutes.
Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool down in the pan for 10-15 minutes after which it would be ready for cutting.This period allows the cake’s texture to set hence making it easier when slicing it into pieces.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slice and Serve
Cut it into slices once it has cooled slightly. The warm cake can then be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special touch. Warm cake with cold ice cream is a kind of divine “adultery”.
Variations and Substitutions
Nut-Free Version:
For those who are allergic to nuts or would like non-nutty cakes can just leave out walnuts which might be substituted either raisins or dried cranberries to add more texture and sweet taste.
Gluten-Free Option:
Make this cake gluten free by using gluten free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to help the cake maintain its structure.
Spice it Up:
Add some nutmeg or allspice in the dry ingredients when you want little bit more flavor.These spices are warm and enhance the taste of the cake and apples.
Healthy Swaps:
To make this cake slightly healthier, substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. This will lower the fat content while adding more apple flavor to your recipe.
Conclusion
This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a delightful and versatile recipe that brings a taste of home to any table. The combination of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts creates a comforting and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe’s simplicity makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and the various substitutions and additions allow for personal customization. Whether served as an afternoon snack, a dessert for guests, or a cozy treat on a chilly day, this cake is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of a homemade cinnamon apple cake. It’s a recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.
EASY CINNAMON APPLE CAKE
Ingredients
- 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 and peeled apples about 2 medium apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
Prepare Your Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the cake.
Make the Batter:
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: Using an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped apples and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
Bake the Cake:
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.
