Cinnamon Apple Cake

Name: Cinnamon Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar; 1/3 cup oil; 1 large egg; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups peeled and chopped baking apples; ½ cup granulated sugar for topping; 1 teaspoon cinnamon for topping; 1 tablespoon melted butter for topping

By:

Ava

December 17, 2025

Sliced Cinnamon Apple Cake with fresh apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon

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Cinnamon Apple Cake

The aroma of baked apples and warm cinnamon fills the air, evoking memories of autumn and gatherings with friends and family. Cinnamon apple cake stands as a nostalgic centerpiece, promising a sweet escape into cozy moments spent in the kitchen.

The first time I tried baking this cake, it felt like a small act of magic. I had apples from a nearby orchard, their crispness beckoning to me. As I mixed the brown sugar and oil, the mixture came together, and I felt excitement bubbling within me. That familiar dance in my kitchen began with every stir of the batter.

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Cinnamon apple cake shines as a testament to the joy of baking. Each layer of flavors blends seamlessly, creating a dessert that satisfies not only the taste buds but also the heart. With every bite, it welcomes whispers of childhood, highlighting the beauty of simplicity in flavors.

Baking this cake becomes more than just a culinary task; it transforms kitchen time into an adventure. With a few straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you embark on a delicious journey that brings comfort and happiness to any gathering. Let’s explore how to create this delightful cake together.

Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Fundamentals

To make a memorable cinnamon apple cake, understanding the fundamentals of baking is essential. The basic structure of this cake relies heavily on the combination of sugars, fats, eggs, and flour. These ingredients not only provide flavor but also determine the texture and moisture of the cake.

Using brown sugar adds depth in flavor and keeps the cake moist, while granulated sugar for topping provides a delightful crunch. The choice of oil enhances the smoothness of the batter, ensuring it’s not overly dense. Eggs serve as a binding agent, while buttermilk adds a rich tang that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully.

Preparation/setup

Getting your kitchen ready for baking is half the fun. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step ensures that your cake releases easily once baked, preventing any frustration when serving. Gather all your ingredients in one place. This not only saves time but also makes the process smoother.

Measuring your ingredients precisely leads to more consistent results. As each component has a role to play, accuracy in measurement helps you achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups peeled and chopped baking apples
½ cup granulated sugar for topping
1 teaspoon cinnamon for topping
1 tablespoon melted butter for topping

Directions

Begin by combining the brown sugar, oil, egg, and buttermilk in a large bowl. Mix these ingredients until well combined. Their blend creates a sweet, creamy foundation.

Next, add the flour and mix gently until just combined. Over-mixing at this stage can lead to a dense cake, so be cautious. Now, it’s time to fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Their tartness will balance the sweetness perfectly.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the surface. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping until it achieves a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the batter, adding a delightful crunch and an enticing aroma.

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake’s golden edges will beckon, signaling that it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Cinnamon Apple Cake

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Baking Success with Cinnamon Apple Cake

Technique

Mastering the technique of baking this cake lies in understanding the importance of each step. Mixing the ingredients in the right order ensures a well-blended batter. Incorporating the apples last allows for gentle folding, keeping their shape intact rather than turning them to mush.

Using fresh, high-quality baking apples immensely elevates the flavor. Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their contrasting sweetness and tartness.

Tips/tricks

Here are some tips to enhance your cinnamon apple cake experience:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This allows for better incorporation and smoother batter.
Choose the Right Pan: A 9×13-inch pan provides the perfect surface for even baking, allowing the cake to rise beautifully.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly without compromising the structure.
Topping Variations: Experiment with nuts or oats in the topping for an extra layer of texture.
Don’t Overmix: Gently folding the batter keeps the cake light and airy, preventing it from becoming tough.

Perfecting Your Cinnamon Apple Cake

Perfecting results

Achieving nirvana in your cinnamon apple cake comes with practice. Each bake teaches you something new about your oven, ingredient interactions, and personal flavor preferences. Pay attention to your cake as it bakes.

Observe the edges turning golden and the aroma filling your space—these are signs that magic is happening. A perfectly baked cake will have a springy texture. If your toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, it’s an indicator that your cake remains delightfully tender.

Troubleshooting/variations

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If your cake sinks in the middle, it may have had too much moisture or not enough structure. Make sure to follow measurements closely and allow proper mixing. If it develops a crust that’s too hard, lower the temperature and extend the baking time slightly.

You can also experiment with variations to keep things exciting. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for depth. Incorporating walnuts or pecans alongside the apples provides a satisfying crunch and elevates the overall flavor profile.

Presenting Your Cinnamon Apple Cake

Serving/presentation

For the perfect presentation, allow the cinnamon apple cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve each slice warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for indulgence. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top adds a delightful visual appeal.

Arranging the slices on a cake stand elevates the dessert, giving it the spotlight it deserves. Placing a small bowl of additional toppings nearby, like caramel sauce or fresh whipped cream, invites guests to personalize their servings.

Pairings/storage

Your cinnamon apple cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the cozy experience. This dessert keeps well for a few days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or entertaining. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.

Feel free to freeze individual slices for a delightful treat later. When the craving strikes, simply thaw and enjoy your wonderfully moist cake with a touch of warmth.

Cinnamon apple cake embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort and love in every slice. It stands ready to be the sweet finish to a special gathering, evenings around the table, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by yourself.

Cinnamon Apple Cake

Author: emily
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A nostalgic cinnamon apple cake filled with warm flavors that evokes the essence of autumn gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups peeled and chopped baking apples
½ cup granulated sugar for topping
1 teaspoon cinnamon for topping
1 tablespoon melted butter for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, oil, egg, and buttermilk. Mix until well combined.
Add the flour and mix gently until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
Fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping until crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping mixture over the cake batter.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.