This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of fall. Packed with tender chunks of apples, a hint of warm cinnamon, and a satisfying crunch from chopped walnuts, this cake is as comforting as it is delicious.
Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal treat for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or even a sweet breakfast. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a dessert that’s sure to impress and delight!
Why You’ll Love It
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry and fridge.
Perfect for Fall: The cozy flavors of cinnamon and apples capture the essence of the season.
Texture Heaven: Moist cake, tender apples, and crunchy walnuts create the ideal bite.
Versatile: This cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.
Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to make yet elegant enough to impress guests.
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Key Ingredients:
Best Varieties: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture.
Uniform Chopping: Chop the apples into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent baking.
Peeling Tip: Use a vegetable peeler for quick and easy peeling.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
Additional Spices: For an extra cozy flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
Chopping Tip: Roughly chop walnuts to maintain a crunchy texture.
Substitutions: Swap walnuts for pecans, or leave them out if you prefer a nut-free cake.
Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like depth that complements the cinnamon and apples.
Light Brown Sugar: Can be used in a pinch if dark isn’t available.
Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened for easy creaming with the sugars. Cold butter won’t incorporate properly.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Grease the Pan: Spray a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or lightly grease with butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
Use an electric mixer at medium speed and beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs:
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time.
Beat well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
Stir in Vanilla Extract:
Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix until combined. This enhances the cake’s flavor.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture.
Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake dense.
Fold in Apples and Walnuts:
Gently fold in:
1 1/2 cups chopped, peeled apples (for moisture and flavor).
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for a crunchy texture).
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Transfer to the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Cool the Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the texture set, making slicing easier.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slice and Serve:
Once cooled slightly, slice the cake into wedges.
For a special touch, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Enjoy:
Relish the perfect combination of tender apples, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts. A true crowd-pleaser!
Serving Suggestions:
Classic Pairing: Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Fall Feast: Pair with a warm drink like apple cider, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte for a cozy autumn vibe.
Dessert Delight: Drizzle caramel or maple syrup over the cake for a decadent dessert.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or microwave before serving.
Reheating: Warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to revive its fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.
Variations:
Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts for a simpler, nut-free cake.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a cake that everyone can enjoy.
Extra Spiced: Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or cloves to the batter for a more pronounced spiced flavor.
Caramel Apple Twist: Stir in caramel bits or drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking.
Vegan Version: Replace butter with plant-based margarine, eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free.
Conclusion:
This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a heartwarming dessert that encapsulates the best of fall flavors. The tender crumb, sweet apples, and touch of cinnamon make it a perfect companion for crisp autumn days. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging in a quiet treat for yourself, this cake delivers comfort in every bite.
So, grab your apron and bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen. Trust me—your home will smell amazing, and everyone will be asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Cozy, Autumn-Inspired Treat
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped apples peeled, about 2 medium apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or lightly grease with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in chopped apples and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the cooled cake into wedges and serve. For a special touch, enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.