Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Name: Apple Cinnamon Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 0.33333334326744 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.66666668653488 cup white sugar; 0.5 cup butter, softened; 2 eggs; 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1.75 teaspoons baking powder; 0.5 cup milk; 1 apple, peeled and chopped

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Apple Cinnamon Loaf

This moist and flavorful apple cinnamon loaf is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. The combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and a rich, buttery batter will make this cake a family favorite!

Ingredients

cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
cup white sugar
cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons baking powder
cup milk
1 apple, peeled and chopped

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. Set aside.

Step 3: In a larger bowl, beat the white sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until well combined.

Step 6: Slowly add the milk and mix until the batter becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the chopped apples and half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Gently press the apple mixture into the batter.

Step 8: Pour the remaining batter over the apple layer, then top with the remaining apples and cinnamon-sugar mixture. Gently press the apples into the batter and swirl the sugar mixture through the apples.

Step 9: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Cook's Note

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a sweet glaze on top. To make the glaze, mix 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and a few drops of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm loaf and let it cool before slicing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 208
Total Fat: 9g (11% DV)
Saturated Fat: 5g (27% DV)
Cholesterol: 52mg (17% DV)
Sodium: 143mg (6% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 30g (11% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
Total Sugars: 17g
Protein: 3g (6% DV)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 67mg (5% DV)
Iron: 1mg (6% DV)
Potassium: 65mg (1% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Apple cinnamon cake is a beloved dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sweet, juicy apples in a moist, cake-like form. This delightful treat is especially popular in the fall when apples are at their peak, and the warm spices of cinnamon evoke a sense of coziness. But its origins and appeal go beyond just the ingredientsit's a recipe that brings people together and is enjoyed across cultures.

History and Origins

The apple cinnamon cake has roots in European baking traditions, particularly in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, where apple-based desserts are quite popular. Apples have been cultivated for centuries, and baking them into cakes or pies became a natural way to enjoy their sweetness. The addition of cinnamon, a spice commonly used in Northern Europe and North America, further elevated the flavor profile, making it an irresistible dessert. Over time, this simple yet delightful cake spread across the world, with different regions adding their own twists to the classic recipe.

Regional Features and Variations

While the apple cinnamon cake is enjoyed worldwide, different regions have their own variations of the recipe. In Germany, for example, apple cakes often incorporate a buttery dough and a streusel topping, creating a crunchy contrast with the soft apples. In the United States, especially during the fall, the cake is often paired with a rich cinnamon sugar layer, adding an extra touch of sweetness. In Scandinavia, its not uncommon to add a dash of cardamom, a spice beloved in Nordic baking. Regardless of the region, the apple cinnamon cake remains a favorite for its balance of flavors and comforting texture.

How It Differs from Similar Cakes

Apple cinnamon cake is often compared to other apple-based desserts, such as apple pie or apple crisp. However, there are key differences. Unlike apple pie, which uses a pastry crust, apple cinnamon cake is a baked dessert with a soft, tender crumb that incorporates pieces of fresh apples within the batter. While apple crisp has a more crumbly topping with oats, the apple cinnamon cake focuses on the flavors of the apples and cinnamon mixed directly into the batter. This results in a more uniform flavor and texture, with each bite offering a juicy piece of apple along with the cake.

Where Its Typically Served

Apple cinnamon cake is a versatile dessert that can be served at various occasions. It's often a staple at fall gatherings, such as harvest festivals, Thanksgiving, or Halloween, where apples are in abundance. The cake is also a favorite at casual family gatherings or afternoon tea. In some cultures, its a traditional treat to serve with coffee or hot beverages during colder months. Its ease of preparation and delightful aroma make it perfect for both intimate family meals and larger celebrations.

Interesting Facts About Apple Cinnamon Cake

The combination of apples and cinnamon is not just delicious but also has health benefits. Apples are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, while cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Apple cinnamon cake became particularly popular in the United States during the early 20th century, when home baking was at its peak. The use of apples, a readily available and affordable ingredient, made this cake a go-to choice for many home bakers.
The cake is often considered a comfort food, with its sweet, warm aroma filling the home and bringing back memories of family gatherings and fall traditions.
In some variations, nuts like walnuts or pecans are added to the batter or used as a topping, giving the cake an extra crunch and rich flavor.

The apple cinnamon cake remains a beloved dessert for many reasons: its sweet, spiced flavor, versatility, and the comforting memories it evokes. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or as an everyday treat, this cake has earned its place in kitchens around the world.

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FAQ about Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

The apple cinnamon cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To keep it moist, you can also wrap the cake in plastic wrap before storing it.

Yes, you can freeze the apple cinnamon cake. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours.

To make the cake healthier, you can replace butter with applesauce or reduce the amount of sugar. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Consider reducing the amount of cinnamon sugar used for topping as well.

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use a firm, slightly tart apple variety such as Granny Smith or Fuji. These apples will hold their shape during baking and provide a good balance to the sweetness of the cake.

If your cake turns out too dry, there are a few things you can try next time. Make sure you're using the right amount of apples to add moisture, or consider adding a little more milk to the batter. You can also try reducing the baking time slightly, as overbaking can lead to a dry cake.

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or even diced pineapple. If using a fruit that's juicier than apples, you may need to reduce the amount of milk in the recipe to maintain the right batter consistency.

Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s possible that your oven runs cooler or warmer than the standard temperature. It’s important to check the cake with a toothpick at the suggested 30-minute mark and adjust the baking time as needed. Some reviewers have noted that their cakes took up to 60 minutes to fully bake.

Yes, you can turn this recipe into muffins. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This method works well and gives you individual servings.

Yes, you can add nuts such as walnuts, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, to enhance the flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter or sprinkle them on top along with the apples and cinnamon sugar for added crunch and flavor.

Comments

Betty Edwards

05/05/2024 08:18:07 AM

I love making this dish about once a month - it's a hit with the whole family! I always double the recipe and bake it in a 9 x 13 pan, using about 6 small apples.

Jonathan Lewis

05/22/2023 02:49:36 PM

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this recipe. I chose to double it to make two loaves, and used three medium Granny Smith apples, which was just the right amount for my loaves. Following the advice from other reviewers, I added 3/4 teaspoon of salt. The only drawback was the baking time - it took a full hour rather than the 40 minutes stated in the recipe for the loaves to be fully cooked.

Barbara Smith

02/10/2025 04:01:54 PM

Rewritten review: I absolutely adored the original recipe, but I decided to make a few tweaks based on some fantastic suggestions from the comments section here and my personal preferences. Modifications made: I opted for two apples, utilized the seeds of 1 vanilla bean instead of vanilla essence (and left the leftover bean in the milk as it warmed to room temperature), separated the eggs and whipped the whites separately before folding them in at the last minute. Instead of brown sugar, I used half raw cane sugar for a more spiced flavor. I doubled the amount of cinnamon, increased the (salted) butter to about 175 grams (adding approximately 50%) to make it more in line with the classic 4x4 recipe. Additionally, I included the zest of one lemon (as I used sweet Fiji apples that lacked a bit of freshness/acidity) and added 1/4 tsp of salt to enhance the flavors. While my adjustments may not have made the dish healthier, the end result was exceptionally delightful!

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Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe