Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Quick & Delicious Treat

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend brunch, a casual dessert, or just because, this Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is the perfect choice. Combining tender, moist cake with sweet-tart apples and the warm spice of cinnamon, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both quick and simple to make.

Unlike more complicated desserts, this cake doesn’t require elaborate techniques or exotic ingredients. With pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, plus a couple of fresh apples, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to bake the perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake—from the ingredients and method to tips, variations, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prep and bake in under an hour.
• Moist and Tender: Apples naturally keep the cake soft and flavorful.
• Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the apples.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a glaze or ice cream.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love it, making it ideal for gatherings or an everyday treat.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Before jumping into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and how they contribute to the cake:

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Forms the structure of the cake. Sifting it ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder (2 tsp): Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises nicely.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tbsp): Adds warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Salt (0.5 tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil (0.5 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender. Can be substituted with melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Provide structure, moisture, and richness.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds depth and enhances the other flavors.
• Granny Smith Apples (2 medium, peeled and diced): Provide sweetness, moisture, and a subtle tartness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Full Ingredient List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

Optional toppings:

• Powdered sugar
• Caramel drizzle
• Vanilla ice cream

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour. This ensures the cake comes out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
• Sifting the flour with the baking powder and cinnamon can help prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Step 4: Fold in Apples

• Gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apples.
• Apples add moisture and natural sweetness, creating pockets of tender, flavorful bites throughout the cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
• Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and pan size.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.
• Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel, or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Apple Cake

1. Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work too if you prefer a sweeter cake.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Stir until ingredients are just combined.
3. Uniform Apple Pieces: Dice apples into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly throughout the cake.
4. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer to test the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
5. Enhance the Flavor: For extra depth, add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cake and sprinkle with chopped nuts for a decadent treat.
• Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake: Bake the same batter in a bundt pan for an elegant presentation.
• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) and use plant-based oil or margarine.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder.
• Apple Streusel Cake: Top with a crumbly streusel made of brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon before baking for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent evening dessert.
• Snack: Slice and enjoy as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
• Holiday Treat: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive presentation during fall gatherings or holiday dinners.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Storage: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually or store the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving – 1/12 of Cake)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 15 g

These values will vary slightly depending on the type of apples and optional toppings used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! Granny Smith apples give a tart contrast, but sweeter apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work as well. Adjust sugar slightly if using sweeter apples.

Q2: Can I make this cake in a loaf pan instead of a square pan?
Absolutely. Baking time may increase to 45–55 minutes, so check doneness with a toothpick.

Q3: Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
Yes. Melted butter will give a richer flavor, though the texture may be slightly less moist.

Q4: Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be folded in for added texture and flavor.

Q5: How do I keep the cake moist?
Use fresh apples and avoid overbaking. Cover with foil if it begins to brown too quickly.

Q6: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Replace eggs with flax or chia eggs and use plant-based oil. Use a dairy-free alternative to cream or butter if adding toppings.

Q7: How do I prevent the apples from sinking?
Toss diced apples in a teaspoon of flour before folding into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake.

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Conclusion

Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is the perfect combination of simplicity, warmth, and flavor. With tender, moist cake, sweet-tart apple bites, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon, it’s an all-time favorite for breakfast, dessert, or snack time. Its versatility, quick preparation, and delicious results make it a go-to recipe for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, hosting a brunch, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, this cake is sure to delight. Bake it today and savor the cozy, sweet, and spiced flavors that make this cake a timeless treat.