This Apple and Cinnamon Cake is a delightful blend of sweet apples, warm spices, and soft, buttery cake. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a wholesome treat that aligns with a healthy lifestyle. Featuring real fruit and aromatic cinnamon, this recipe offers nutritional benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon tea or need a quick dessert for family gatherings, this cake fits any occasion perfectly.
Ingredients for Apple and Cinnamon Cake
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – A versatile base for a moist cake.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Balances acidity and enhances texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – Supports blood sugar regulation and adds warming flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds depth with subtle spice.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – A source of healthy fats.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – Adds protein and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Offers natural aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream – Provides moisture and tang, supporting digestive health with probiotics.
- 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups) – Rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ¼ cup sugar – Sweetens the topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Complements the apples perfectly.
Instructions for the Perfect Apple and Cinnamon Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or a similar-sized cake pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optionally, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake
