Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of spice, then you’ll love this Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe.
This cake has a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, tempting everyone nearby. The combination of tender apples and rich cinnamon creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love how moist it turns out, making each bite feel indulgent yet comforting. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home.
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients of Cinnamon Apple Cake
When it comes to baking, having the right ingredients is key to creating something delicious. For this mouthwatering Cinnamon Apple Cake, you’ll be using a mix of sweet and creamy components, along with some pantry staples.
Let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat. Trust me, once you have all the ingredients in front of you, the mouth-watering anticipation will begin, and you’ll find yourself daydreaming about that first slice.
Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need:
- 1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup stick margarine, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces block-style fat-free cream cheese, softened (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 cups chopped peeled baking apples (about 3 large, I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness)
- Cooking spray
Now, before you start mixing, let’s chat about the ingredients a bit. If you’re like me and tend to keep a well-stocked pantry, some of these will already be on your shelf.
But if not, no worries—most of these items are easy to find at any grocery store. And don’t stress too much about the margarine; if you prefer butter, go ahead and swap it in! Just be careful not to melt it, or you’ll end up with a cake that’s more pudding than cake.
Oh, and about those apples—using Granny Smith brings a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar, but feel free to mix in some sweeter varieties if that’s what you have on hand.
Happy baking!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake
Making the Cinnamon Apple Cake is a delightful experience, and trust me, it’s easier than it sounds. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This is essential because, let’s be honest, no one likes to wait around for an oven to heat up while their cake batter just sits there, getting sad.
While that’s warming up, grab your mixing bowl and an electric mixer, if you have one. You’re going to beat together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of softened stick margarine, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 6 ounces of softened fat-free cream cheese. Mix them on medium speed until everything is well-blended and creamy—about four minutes should do the trick. You want it fluffy, like a cloud that just got a fresh coat of whipped cream.
Next, crack in those 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s like a little dance in your bowl; just keep that mixer going until you can’t see any eggy bits.
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this flour mixture to your creamy concoction, beating at low speed. You don’t want flour clouds flying everywhere, do you?
Once that’s blended, it’s time to amp up the flavor. Take 3 cups of your chopped peeled baking apples (Granny Smith is my go-to) and toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar mixture you’ve made by combining the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Stir this apple mixture into your batter.
Now, pour the delightful batter into an 8-inch springform pan that’s been coated with cooking spray. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture on top for that lovely, sweet crust.
Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about an hour, or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Seriously, that aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like a baking superstar.
Once it’s done, resist the urge to dive right in—let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cutting into it while it’s still warm is tempting, but you might end up with a crumbly mess. And who wants that?
Instead, wait for that moment when you can slice it neatly with a serrated knife, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Apple Cake Substitutions & Variations
While the classic Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe is already a winner, there’s always room to customize it to suit your taste.
For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white. If you want a nutty crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. You can also swap the apples for pears or even add dried cranberries for a twist.
Want a gluten-free option? Just use a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Each variation adds a personal touch that makes this cake uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Apple Cake
Cinnamon Apple Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its warm, spiced flavors.
I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts slightly and creates a delightful contrast. Whipped cream also adds a light, airy touch.
For a cozy twist, consider drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of spiced yogurt can elevate the cake’s flavors even more.
Finally, a cup of hot tea or coffee complements the cake perfectly, making it an ideal treat for any gathering or a warm evening at home.
Additional Tips & Notes
When serving your Cinnamon Apple Cake, keep in mind a few tips to enhance your baking experience.
First, let the cake cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain its structure. If you want a little extra flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
For a delightful twist, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Enjoy!