Apple Cinnamon Cake
This moist and comforting apple cinnamon cake is packed with tender fruit and warm spices, making it the ultimate treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
- •2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- •2 teaspoons baking powder
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
- •1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- •2 large eggs, room temperature
- •1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- •1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (120ml)
- •3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 cups)
- •2 tablespoons brown sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- 3
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- 4
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 5
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- 6
Gently fold the diced apples into the thick batter using a spatula until evenly distributed.
- 7
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the top.
- 8
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- 9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Chef tips
- Use tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For a crunchier texture, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon-sugar topping before baking.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished cake features a golden, sugary crust on top, a tender and moist crumb infused with warm spices, and soft pockets of sweet-tart apple in every bite.