Warm & Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe For Fall Baking Joy

Sweet memories of autumn flood my mind whenever I think about this delectable cinnamon apple cake that connects comfort and nostalgia.

Crisp orchard apples mingle beautifully with warm spices in this delightful dessert.

Fragrant hints of cinnamon weave through each tender crumb, creating a magical sensory experience.

Kitchen aromas will transport you to cozy afternoons filled with warmth and happiness.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe inspired this simple yet remarkable treat that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Baking becomes an intimate journey of love when traditional flavors dance together so harmoniously.

Each slice promises a moment of pure, heartwarming bliss that you won’t want to miss.

Why Cinnamon Apple Cake Is A Classic Favorite

• Savor Homemade Comfort: This cinnamon apple cake delivers pure warmth and nostalgia with every slice, bringing family and friends together around a delightful dessert.
• Master Easy Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners, the recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee a delicious result without complicated steps.
• Celebrate Seasonal Goodness: Packed with fresh apples and warming cinnamon, this cake captures the essence of autumn and transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that feels like a cozy hug.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, afternoon tea, family gatherings, or just because you want a sweet moment, this cake adapts beautifully to any occasion and pleases everyone from kids to grandparents.

Ingredients For Cinnamon Apple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that complements the apples.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender crumb and adds moisture to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Apples, Walnuts: Add texture, natural sweetness, and a delightful crunch to the cake.

How To Prepare Cinnamon Apple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9 inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Make sure all ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process helps create a smooth, airy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs And Vanilla

Crack eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything is smoothly incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

• Chopped apples
• Chopped walnuts

Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.

Step 7: Bake The Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Smart Tips For Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Chop walnuts finely to distribute evenly throughout the batter and prevent sinking.
• Dust the apples with a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour and add xanthan gum for binding.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts and prevent crumbling.

Creative Variations For Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Rustic Berry Blend: Replace apples with mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant summer cake with tangy fruit flavors.
• Tropical Coconut Crunch: Swap walnuts with toasted coconut flakes and add diced pineapple for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert with rich, exotic notes.
• Chocolate Marble Magic: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the batter and sprinkle chocolate chips for an indulgent cocoa-enhanced version of the classic cake.
• Spiced Pear Elegance: Use ripe pears instead of apples, increase cinnamon, and add ground cardamom for a sophisticated, warming winter dessert.

Best Pairings For Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm cake, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Brew Chai Latte: Spicy chai tea with its rich blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger perfectly echoes the cake's warm, comforting notes.
• Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Buttery, golden caramel sauce adds luxurious sweetness and enhances the cake's apple and cinnamon undertones.
• Serve Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream provides a delicate, silky texture that balances the cake's dense, moist crumb.

Storage Advice For Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, thaw overnight in refrigerator for best texture.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For larger portions, warm in oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.

Common Questions About Cinnamon Apple Cake

• Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Yes, you can use varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each apple will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the cake.

• Is it necessary to peel the apples before adding them to the batter?

No, you can leave the apple skin on. The skin adds extra nutrients, fiber, and a nice color to the cake. Just make sure to wash the apples thoroughly.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use one that’s designed for baking to maintain the cake’s texture.

Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade Cinnamon Apple Cake whisks classic flavors into a comforting dessert that celebrates autumn’s warmth. Fragrant spices and tender apples merge in a delightful slice that welcomes friends and family around your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped apples
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×9 inch baking vessel with a light butter coating and dusting of flour.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and gains a fluffy, aerated texture.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Gently fold chopped apples and crushed walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even surface.
8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown surface and checking with a toothpick for complete doneness.
9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving, enabling the structure to set properly.

Notes

• Toast walnuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy in the cake.
• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
• Dust cake with powdered sugar instead of frosting for a lighter, less calories option that keeps the dessert’s rustic charm.
• For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to maintain moisture and tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 277 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 158 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg