Apple Cinnamon Cake

Apple Cinnamon Cake

This delicious and moist apple cake is packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for a cozy treat.

Yields: 12-16 servings Prep time: 20-25 minutes Bake time: 45-60 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)

For the Apple Filling:

• 4-5 medium apples (such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4-5 cups diced)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to coat apples and prevent sinking)

For Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch baking pan (like the one shown in the image, a springform pan also works)
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Whisk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

• Peel, core, and dice your apples into roughly 1/2-inch pieces.
• In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and 2 tablespoons of flour. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated. This step helps prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper for easy removal). If using a springform pan as shown, ensure the bottom is securely latched and that you grease and flour it well.

3. Make the Cake Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can result in a tough cake.

4. Combine Batter and Apples:

• Gently fold the prepared apple mixture into the cake batter. Do not overmix; just ensure the apples are somewhat evenly distributed. The image shows a significant amount of apple mixture being added to the batter, suggesting a very fruit-heavy cake, which this recipe aims to replicate.

5. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the cake batter with apples into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
• Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the exact pan size. The cake should be golden brown on top.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to remove it. If using a springform pan, carefully release the sides.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts, although it’s also delicious served warm.
• Just before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar, as shown in the image.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Cinnamon Cake!