Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
If you crave cozy fall flavors all year round, the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert. This tender, moist cake is brimming with juicy apple pieces, rich brown sugar, and a warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg in every bite. It’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like a hug and turns any afternoon into a special occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just because you deserve something sweet, this cake never fails to bring a smile. The Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe is easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests—let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe lies in its classic, easy-to-find ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in creating that signature soft crumb, irresistible spice, and bursts of fresh apple flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake its structure and tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for extra lift and a perfect texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice! It gives the cake its signature warmth and aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For rich flavor and a moist, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramel note and a bit of moisture for extra indulgence.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a gentle, fragrant sweetness.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake extra moist and gives a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Peeled and diced apples: The star ingredient! Use tart apples for the best flavor contrast.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty boost in every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This simple prep step ensures your cake won’t stick and comes out in perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, so every bite of your Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe is bursting with balanced flavors and perfect texture.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crumb because it incorporates air into the mixture. Take your time—about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer is just right.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). This combination adds richness and moisture, making your Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe incredibly soft.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are fine and will bake out, ensuring your cake stays fluffy and light.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using). The apples provide juicy bursts of flavor, while the nuts add a lovely crunch. Folding prevents the batter from deflating and keeps the fruit evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine as the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe bakes to golden perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing into generous squares. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to serve those picture-perfect pieces everyone will love.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes this cake look elegant and adds a touch of extra sweetness. For a fancier finish, drizzle with a quick vanilla glaze or top with a dollop of whipped cream. For those cinnamon fans, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top never hurts!
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt takes it to the next level. A mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or even cold apple cider turns the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe into a truly memorable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual squares on rustic wooden boards, or layer slices in parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra apple chunks for a show-stopping trifle. For brunch, cut the cake into bite-sized cubes and serve on a platter alongside fresh fruit and cheese—your guests will love these creative twists!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresher for longer, pop it in the fridge—it will stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezing
The Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. If you prefer, you can warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. A warm slice paired with a scoop of ice cream is pure comfort!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Tart varieties like Granny Smith are ideal for balancing the sweetness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples also work well. Just be sure to peel and dice them for the best texture in your Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe.
Do I have to add nuts?
Nope! The nuts are totally optional. If you or your guests have allergies or just aren’t fans, feel free to leave them out. The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may change slightly, but the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe will still be a crowd-pleaser.
What’s the best way to make the cake extra moist?
Be sure to use sour cream or thick Greek yogurt, and don’t overbake the cake. Checking it a couple minutes before the suggested time is a smart move—your cake should be just set and springy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Certainly! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick for doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing, the Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe is calling your name. It’s the perfect way to celebrate apples, cinnamon, and all things cozy—no special occasion required. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Cake Delight is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall. It combines tender chunks of tart apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, creating a comforting treat that’s easy to bake and sure to impress. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fruits and Nuts
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix for a tender cake.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples. If using, also fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add crunch and flavor.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a vanilla glaze before serving.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.
- Tart apples such as Granny Smith work best to balance sweetness and add a pleasant tang to the cake.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, but you can omit them for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
