Name: Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups chopped apples (peeled, approximately 2 medium apples); ¼ cup softened butter; ¼ cup sugar; ¼ cup dark brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup chopped walnuts

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Why Make This Recipe

This Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s warm, moist, and perfectly spiced, making it a delightful treat during cozy fall evenings or as a sweet surprise after dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find it’s also a fantastic recipe to bake with kids or to enjoy at a family gathering.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups chopped apples (peeled, approximately 2 medium apples)
¼ cup softened butter
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 and a quarter cups all-purpose flour
½ cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round baking pan with non-stick spray or butter for easy release.
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Beat this mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract into the batter.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt thoroughly. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your butter-sugar blend on low speed until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.
Pour this rich batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly across the surface before placing it in the oven.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without any residue attached to it.
Let your cake cool in its pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice your cooled cake into wedges ready for serving. You may want to pair them with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra treat if desired.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. You can slice it into wedges and place them on dessert plates. For a special touch, top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some caramel sauce over them. This cake also tastes fantastic with whipped cream.

How to Store Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

To store your cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will stay good in the freezer for about 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

Select the Right Apples: Use sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when folding in the apples and walnuts to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Add More Spice: If you enjoy a stronger flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or extra cinnamon.

Variation

You can add raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts and substitute with extra apples or a sprinkle of oats for added texture.

FAQs

Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour as substitutes. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.

Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake stores well, making it a great option to make ahead. Just ensure you keep it in an airtight container.

Can I add frosting to this cake?
While this cake is delicious on its own, you can frost it with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of sweetness!