Cinnamon Apple Cake: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Food
Imagine walking into your kitchen as the comforting scent of cinnamon and apples fills the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy autumn day. That’s exactly the experience this Cinnamon Apple Cake delivers. Each slice is like a warm hug, combining the softness of tender apples with the perfect blend of spices. Whether you’re planning a quiet afternoon with tea or hosting a family gathering, this cake is a crowd-pleaser, offering both comfort and a touch of indulgence. The spiced, sugary crust adds a delightful texture to every bite, making it irresistible from start to finish.
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Ingredients You'll Need
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a warm depth of flavor to complement the cinnamon.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened – The butter brings richness and moisture to the cake.
2 large eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients and add to the cake's smooth texture.
½ cup milk – Makes the batter smooth and gives the cake a moist crumb.
¼ cup brown sugar (for topping) – Adds caramel-like sweetness when baked.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the oven early ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or if you prefer easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These dry ingredients are what give the cake its structure and signature fall flavors. Whisk them together well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You’re looking for a light, fluffy texture here—this step helps to incorporate air into the batter, making the cake nice and soft.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next.Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the cake with a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. This step ensures that your cake batter is smooth and well-mixed. Start and finish by adding the dry ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense instead of light and airy.
6. Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. The apples will not only add moisture but will also give the cake a naturally sweet bite that balances perfectly with the spiced batter. Make sure the apple pieces are evenly distributed.
7. Pour the Batter into the Pan
Pour the prepared batter into your greased or lined cake pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring the top is smooth.
8. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and additional ground cinnamon. This simple topping will create a beautiful, crunchy layer on top of your cake as it bakes. Evenly sprinkle the mixture over the batter.
9. Bake to Perfection
Put the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.