Introduction
Embrace the essence of autumn with our Ultimate Cinnamon Apple Cake, a masterpiece that interweaves the lush sweetness of ripe apples with the inviting warmth of cinnamon. Crafted to perfection, this cake stands out with its moist and airy texture, enveloped in a golden, crunchy topping of cinnamon and brown sugar. Each slice promises a harmonious blend of flavors that celebrate the season’s bounty.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped peeled apples (preferably a mix of tart and sweet varieties)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
- Extra cinnamon for dusting (optional)
How To Make Cinnamon Apple Cake
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake releases perfectly.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the dry base of your cake, ensuring it rises beautifully and has a delicate crumb.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter. Aim for a light and fluffy texture, which can take about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. This step is crucial for incorporating air into your batter, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: To the creamed mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until thoroughly combined. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, creating a rich base for your cake.
- Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture to ensure a smooth, homogeneous batter. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, providing lift and a tender texture.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped peeled apples into the batter. The fruit not only adds moisture but also creates pockets of juicy sweetness throughout the cake.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. This mixture will be sprinkled over the batter, creating a flavorful and crispy topping as it bakes.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cake sets properly and enhances its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ultimate Cinnamon Apple Cake as a splendid finale to a family dinner or enjoy it as a comforting snack with a cup of tea. For an extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the cake’s warm flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
Our Ultimate Cinnamon Apple Cake recipe embodies the essence of autumn, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and everything nice. With its moist crumb, fragrant spices, and tender apple pieces, this cake is sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.
