Apple Cinnamon Cake

Apple Cinnamon Cake
Introduction
Apple Cinnamon Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the sweet-tart taste of fresh apples with warm, aromatic cinnamon. Perfect for cozy afternoons, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations, this cake is both comforting and easy to make. Its tender crumb, combined with chunks of apple and a hint of spice, makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the topping (optional):
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and yogurt (or sour cream) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples (and nuts if using).
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle on top of the batter (optional).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Cake is soft, tender, and packed with chunks of juicy apples. The cinnamon gives it a warm, comforting flavor, while the optional nut topping adds a delightful crunch. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal dessert for any time of the day.
Tips
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent them from becoming too mushy during baking.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- You can substitute yogurt with sour cream or even applesauce for a slightly different texture.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Corrections / Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to avoid a dense cake.
- Baking times may vary depending on your oven; check for doneness with a toothpick starting at 35 minutes.
Enjoy
Slice a generous piece of this Apple Cinnamon Cake and enjoy its cozy flavors with friends and family. It’s a simple yet delicious dessert that captures the essence of fall all year round!