Apple Cinnamon Cake

The gentle sweetness of apples mingles with the warming embrace of cinnamon in every tender bite of this Apple Cinnamon Cake. With a golden-brown crust giving way to a moist, tender crumb studded with juicy apple pieces, each slice feels like a cozy hug on a crisp morning or a comforting reward after a busy day. This cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty, capturing that perfect balance of sweet and spice. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend brunch, a potluck contribution, or simply craving a sweet treat to accompany your afternoon tea, this cake delivers all the nostalgic flavors you’ve been yearning for.

As a devoted home baker, I love how versatile and forgiving this recipe is. The sour cream (or yogurt) adds a tangy richness, keeping the cake lusciously moist, while the nuts offer a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the apples. Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties—Granny Smith for a tart zing or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness—and watch how the flavors dance together. Trust me, the moment you slice into it and see the tender apple bits peek through, you’ll know this recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CINNAMON CAKE

Before diving into the method, let’s chat about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this cake so irresistible. From the foundational flour to the finishing dusting of powdered sugar, here’s why you need every one of these pantry heroes.

• All-Purpose Flour

Provides the sturdy framework for the cake’s structure. When combined with leavening agents, it gives you that tender yet springy crumb we all adore.

• Baking Powder

Acts as a primary leavening agent, helping the cake rise and become light and airy by releasing carbon dioxide bubbles during baking.

• Baking Soda

Works alongside baking powder to give an extra lift and balance the acidity of the sour cream, ensuring a perfect rise and golden crust.

• Salt

Enhances all the flavors in the cake, from the sweetness of the sugar to the warmth of the cinnamon.

• Ground Cinnamon

Delivers that cozy, aromatic spice that defines every bite, weaving its fragrant magic throughout the batter.

• Unsalted Butter

Adds rich, buttery flavor and contributes to a tender, moist crumb when properly creamed with sugar.

• Granulated Sugar

Sweetens the cake and helps incorporate air into the butter during creaming, contributing to a light texture.

• Eggs

Bind the ingredients together and add additional structure, moisture, and richness to the cake.

• Vanilla Extract

Imparts a delicate sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor profile, tying together the spice and apple notes.

• Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt

Introduces moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cake exceptionally tender and preventing it from drying out.

• Peeled and Chopped Apples

Bring juicy bursts of fresh fruit flavor, moisture, and texture to each slice. Opt for a mix of sweet and tart varieties to elevate complexity.

• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional)

Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty depth, contrasting beautifully with the soft, fruity cake.

• Powdered Sugar for Dusting (Optional)

Adds a pretty, snowy finish and a touch of extra sweetness on top of the cooled cake.

HOW TO MAKE APPLE CINNAMON CAKE

Ready to turn these ingredients into a showstopping cake? This step-by-step process ensures you get consistent results every time, even if you’re a beginner baker.

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy release once your cake is baked.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed. This step ensures every bite has consistent flavor and texture. Set the bowl aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes, which helps incorporate air and gives the cake a lighter crumb.

4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth, emulsified batter. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.

5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the butter-sugar-egg mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

6. Fold in Apples and Nuts

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the chopped apples and walnuts or pecans (if using). This gentle method preserves the air you’ve beaten into the batter while evenly distributing the fruit and nuts.

7. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

8. Cool Before Serving

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like, dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a pretty, final flourish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CINNAMON CAKE

Bringing this Apple Cinnamon Cake to the table is always a delightful moment. Whether you’re aiming for simple comfort or aiming to impress, these serving ideas will help you showcase each slice perfectly and elevate your gathering to a memorable experience.

• Classic with Whipped Cream

Top each slice with a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, whipped to soft peaks. The airy creaminess complements the tender cake and accentuates the cinnamon notes.

• A La Mode

Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. The contrast between the hot cake and cold ice cream creates an irresistible symphony of textures and flavors.

• Tea-Time Delight

Pair a modest wedge with your favorite black or chai tea. The spices in the tea harmonize with the cake’s cinnamon, making each sip and bite feel perfectly matched.

• Festive Garnish

Dust the top with additional ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts. Add a few thin apple slices or a sprig of mint for a beautiful garnish that hints at what’s inside.

HOW TO STORE APPLE CINNAMON CAKE

Ensuring your cake stays as delightful on day two (and beyond!) takes just a bit of strategy. With the right storage methods, you can preserve moisture, maintain flavor, and even freeze slices for later indulgence. Here’s how to keep your Apple Cinnamon Cake tasting its best.

• Room Temperature

Once completely cooled, place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method preserves the cake’s soft texture and is perfect for quick snacks.

• Refrigeration

To extend freshness for up to 5 days, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Bring slices to room temperature before serving, or warm them gently in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that just-baked warmth.

• Freezing

Slice the cake and lay pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm, then transfer slices into a zip-top freezer bag with extra parchment between each slice. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then reheat gently if desired.

• Avoiding Dryness

Regardless of your chosen storage method, avoid excess air exposure by wrapping tightly or using sealed containers. This simple step keeps the cake from drying out and preserves its signature moist crumb.

CONCLUSION

Apple Cinnamon Cake is the kind of recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table. From its perfectly spiced batter studded with tender apple chunks to the luscious crumb enriched by sour cream, every element has been thoughtfully balanced to create a cake that feels both special and welcoming. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned home cook, the straightforward instructions guide you through each step, ensuring stress-free success. The blend of all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and tangy dairy delivers a moist texture that lasts, while optional nuts or powdered sugar add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal.

Feel free to print this article or save it in your favorite recipe collection for easy reference. You’ll also find a FAQ below to answer common questions and troubleshooting tips. If you give this Apple Cinnamon Cake a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—did you swap in a different apple variety, or add a surprise ingredient? Drop your comments, questions, or feedback if you need help or want to share your baking stories. Happy baking, and here’s to many cozy moments and sweet slices with friends and family!

Print Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Cake

Author: Marcus Stone Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 30 mins

Calories: 350

Description

This cake bursts with the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and a hint of buttery richness. It's an ideal treat to enjoy with coffee or as a dessert at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₂ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)

• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently remove it from the pan and let it continue to cool on a wire rack.
10. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Note

• Use a variety of apples for a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
• The cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
• This cake can be made a day in advance and will taste even better as the flavors meld.
• Substitute nuts with dried cranberries or raisins for a different texture and taste.

Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon cake, dessert recipe, easy baking, fall flavors, cake recipe