Cinnamon Apple Cake (Hanukkah Cake) Recipe

Cook Time: 75 minutes

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 cups white sugar
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoons baking powder
• teaspoon salt
• cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 large baking apples, peeled and chopped

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cups of sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is soft and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together cup sugar and cinnamon. Stir 2 tablespoons of this cinnamon-sugar mixture into the flour mixture. Set the remaining cinnamon-sugar aside for later.

Step 5: Gradually add the flour mixture into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until the batter becomes smooth. Gently fold in the chopped apples.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth it out evenly.

Step 7: Sprinkle the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the batter.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hours, or until the cake starts to pull away from the edges of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the pan and slicing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Total Fat: 21g (26% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (62% DV)
• Cholesterol: 100mg (33% DV)
• Sodium: 327mg (14% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 70g (26% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Total Sugars: 50g
• Protein: 6g (12% DV)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% DV)
• Calcium: 91mg (7% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
• Potassium: 132mg (3% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin

The Cinnamon Apple Cake, also known as the Hanukkah Cake, holds a special place in Jewish culinary tradition. While the cake is not exclusively served during Hanukkah, its association with this holiday is due to its comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples, which evoke the warmth and family gatherings typical of the festival. The recipe likely originated in Eastern Europe, where apples were abundant and used in various baked goods, especially during the colder months when fruits like apples were stored for winter use. Over time, this cake has become a staple dessert for many Jewish families, symbolizing the sweet joys of celebration and family unity.

Regional Variations

Regional variations of the Cinnamon Apple Cake can be found throughout Jewish communities around the world. In Eastern Europe, the cake was sometimes made with ingredients like honey or nuts, reflecting the local agricultural produce. In North America, the recipe was adapted to include cream cheese, making the cake richer and more decadent. Some families may use different apple varieties depending on what is available locallyGranny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Additionally, the cake is often spiced with nutmeg or cloves, depending on regional taste preferences, though cinnamon remains the dominant spice in most versions.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While the Cinnamon Apple Cake shares similarities with other apple-based desserts, such as apple pies or apple strudels, it stands apart in a few key ways. Unlike apple pie, which features a buttery, flaky crust, the Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist, dense cake that incorporates fresh apple chunks into the batter. Its flavor profile is a blend of cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese, which sets it apart from traditional fruit cakes. Compared to apple strudel, which typically has a thin, crisp pastry, the Cinnamon Apple Cake offers a more rustic, homey feel with its soft, chewy texture. This makes it a comfort food favorite for many during the holiday season.

Where It Is Typically Served

The Cinnamon Apple Cake is most often served during Jewish celebrations, particularly during Hanukkah, a holiday marked by the lighting of the menorah and festive meals. It's a popular choice for dessert during the nightly family gatherings, where foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes), are traditionally eaten to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The cake is also enjoyed at other occasions such as Shabbat dinners, Rosh Hashanah, and other festive gatherings, where it complements both sweet and savory dishes. This cakes easy preparation and satisfying taste make it a beloved dessert in Jewish households across the globe.

Interesting Facts

• The Cinnamon Apple Cakes appeal lies in its simple yet comforting ingredients, making it an accessible dessert for home bakers of all levels.
• One variation of the recipe incorporates cream cheese, which not only adds richness but also contributes to the cake's moist texture. This cream cheese addition was likely introduced in North America in the mid-20th century.
• Many bakers enjoy making this cake gluten-free or dairy-free, allowing it to be enjoyed by a wider range of dietary preferences. Substitutes like gluten-free flour or non-dairy cream cheese are commonly used.
• In some Jewish communities, the cake is made with a combination of fresh apples and dried fruit, which reflects the tradition of using both fresh and preserved foods during the colder months.
• The combination of cinnamon and apples is not only delicious but also deeply symbolic in many cultures. Cinnamon was historically used as a preservative, and apples symbolize knowledge and tradition in Jewish customs.

With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and rich history, the Cinnamon Apple Cake continues to be a cherished part of Jewish holiday celebrations, bringing together family and friends to share in the sweetness of the season.

FAQ about Cinnamon Apple Cake (Hanukkah Cake) Recipe

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